St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby continues to be a Good school and could be judged Outstanding, according to Ofsted.
Following a two-day ungraded inspection in March, inspectors said there was enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding if a graded inspection was to be carried out at that time.
During ungraded inspections Ofsted do not give graded judgements but if they find evidence that a school would now receive a higher or lower grade, they will usually carry out a graded inspection within one to two years.
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher at St George’s, said: “I am incredibly proud to lead such a wonderful team of staff and to work with our amazing pupils. The inspectors saw what we see every day and I am delighted that they have recognised the quality of the education on offer to all of our pupils. I would like to thank our whole school community for the part that they play in our success and to also thank the St. Ralph Sherwin CMAT who have offered us the most amazing support on our journey together as a school.”
Inspectors praised school leaders and said they were, “very ambitious for all associated with the school to succeed.”
They particularly praised the well-thought-out curriculum and how the school’s mission statement of, ‘Grow in faith, have faith in growing’, encourages pupils to “develop into confident individuals who enjoy learning.”
Behaviour was praised by inspectors who noted that the school is a “very calm and ordered place” with “high expectations of behaviour”, where pupils get on well with each other and are proud to be part of the school. The report said: “As a consequence, they love coming to school.”
Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities was found to be strong, with the report stating that, “Pupils with SEND are well supported within class. Expectations are high for them and they achieve well.”
The school’s inclusive approach was also highly praised, “There is a powerful sense of respect for one another and celebration of difference. As one parent stated: ‘I really appreciate how the school promotes British and Christian values in a multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.’”
The report noted that pupils learn to read as soon as they start school and that well trained staff provide focused support.
“Pupils understand the significance of learning to read. One pupil said: “Reading is an escape to another world. When I pick up a book it expands my mind.”’
The school’s knowledge based and well sequenced curriculum received particular recognition:
“Leaders have identified the key knowledge pupils need to learn, remember and use. Staff expertly shape learning activities to engage and hook pupils. Probing questions challenge thinking. As a consequence, pupils’ attitudes to their learning, and work, are strong,” the report said.
The very youngest children in school make an excellent start to their education.
Inspectors said: “Carefully crafted learning activities develop independence. Adults’ interactions with children challenge children’s thinking. Children collaborate well and show high levels of resilience and perseverance. They are keen and excited to share their learning with others. Children achieve well.”
The wider curriculum offer and programme of personal development was also celebrated, “Pupils have many opportunities to develop character and personality within school. There are a wide range of clubs and activities on offer.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Well done to all of the staff, governors and pupils at St George’s for a superb outcome. While inspectors found that the school continued to be Good, they were keen to point out that they feel the school could be Outstanding and are looking to bring forward their next inspection. This is fantastic news and well done to everyone involved.”
There is now further recruitment drive at Saint Benedict due to expansion
We are recruiting to a number of roles at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby due to exciting multi-million pound expansion plans.
Current vacancies include; Assistant Head of Year, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Biology, Teachers of Maths, Science, Dance, ICT and a Pastoral Support Assistant
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy have won a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing on the same stage as West End stars, in front of a 2,000 strong audience at a European theatre festival.
Thirty-eight students will perform a song from Frozen at Music Theatre International’s Junior Theatre festival, Europe’s biggest celebration of musical theatre for young performers.
Hundreds of youth groups and schools from across the country submitted applications to be in with a chance to perform at the festival and take part in workshops with West End professionals, as part of a programme backed by Disney.
News of the Saint Benedict students’ success was shared on social media and prompted a kind-hearted donation of costumes for the performance, all the way from America.
Anna West, Director of Performing and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, in Derby, said she burst out crying when she found out that her students would be performing at the festival.
She said: “I couldn’t speak I was so choked. I was just thinking about how this will mean so much for our children and it will enable them to see what opportunities there are for them in the arts, and what can happen if you believe you can do something.
“This is a once in a lifetime event for them, how often will they get to perform on the same stage as West End performers in front of 2,000 people.
“I tweeted a video of the students’ reaction when I told them the news and then a few days later I got an email from a lady in America whose theatre group had already performed Frozen. She has all the costumes and has offered to ship and lend them to us for free, which is wonderful.”
The festival takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday, April 29th and Saint Benedict students will take to the stage in the afternoon, followed by two performances from West End stars.
Mrs West said: “We are taking students from Years 7 to 12. In the morning they will do some work with other youth groups at the festival and in the afternoon they will take part in dance, drama and music workshops with West End professionals. Then they will do some tech on the main stage, followed by their performance.”
Students will sing the song ‘Fixer Upper’ on stage, a song from Frozen that they submitted as part of their application to perform at the festival.
Ryan Macauley, producer and director of the MIT Junior Theatre Festival, paid a visit to Saint Benedict to help students prepare for their performance.
He said: “Saint Benedict was chosen to perform at the festival because the application from the staff there was exemplary and the children are all ages and from all backgrounds and they are doing it together. We really saw that in the application and they deserved the chance to perform. We will have workshops from Aladdin, Les Mis and Wicked and there will be West End directors and choreographers.”
Student Lucy Finnegan, who is playing Anna, said working with Ryan had been a great experience.
She said: “We were all so excited when we found out that we were going to perform at the festival and to work with someone like Ryan has been amazing. We wouldn’t normally get the chance to go through our performance in so much detail.”
Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “This is another fantastic achievement for the Performing and Creative Arts Team. At Saint Benedict, we recognise the positive impact the Arts have on young people and we are incredibly proud of our pupils and staff who have won this competition.”
The students will be performing Frozen as their school show at Saint Benedict, in Duffield Road, Derby, from 1st to 5th July 2023. Information about tickets will be released soon. Visit www.saintbenedictderby.srscmat.co.uk for details.
Pupils and staff from St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy recognised for living simply, sustainably and in solidarity.
Pupils and staff from St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, have achieved the LiveSimply Award after taking action to demonstrate they are living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities.
Championed by overseas development charity CAFOD, the award was presented to pupils and staff on Tuesday 28th February. St George’s implemented a number of exceptional projects that highlighted the importance of caring for people and the planet. Their actions had a positive impact on their school community and also reached out to embrace the local community and our global community too.
Siobhan Farnell, CAFOD LiveSimply Award Assessor was delighted to confirm that St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has achieved the LiveSimply Award.
She said “The pupils and staff have a great deal of passion for caring for the planet and living sustainably is embedded into all they do. It was a pleasure to hear from the Chaplaincy Team, they were eloquent and articulate in sharing how we need to look after the planet and its people and how “we appreciate God in others’’. They reach out to support the local and global community in acts of solidarity, reflecting Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, calling for us all to hear and respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. The award is very much deserved.”
Recruitment drive at Saint Benedict due to expansion
We are recruiting to a number of roles at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby due to exciting multi-million pound expansion plans.
Current vacancies include Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Physical Needs and Learning Support Assistant (Level 1).
Please visit the vacancies section of our website for more information Vacancies – St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust (srscmat.co.uk)
St Margaret’s Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to be a ‘Good’ school, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors said that pupils love their small and caring school community at St Margaret’s, in Glossop Road, Gamesley.
They said: “They say that everyone knows each other well and that they look out for each other. Parents and carers unanimously appreciate the support the children receive. One parent’s comment was typical of many: ‘There is a lovely family feel to the school’.”
Leaders are ambitious that pupils will develop the qualities they need in order to be ready for life in modern Britain, the report said.
“Leaders identify these characteristics as: respect, empathy, self-awareness, positivity, excellence, communication and teamwork. Pupils work hard to show these in their work and play. They are keen to earn their ‘respect’ badge.”
This is the first ungraded inspection at St Margaret’s since 2016, when the school was judged to be ‘Good’.
The report said leaders have set high expectations for pupils’ behaviour.
“Pupils know how important it is to work hard. They show respect for each other and their teachers. In lessons, they listen carefully and do their best. The school is a happy and positive place for pupils to learn and staff to work,” inspectors said.
The curriculum was described as “well sequenced” and it sets out what pupils should learn.
“Teachers assess what pupils know and remember against the important knowledge identified in curriculum plans. They use this information to address misconceptions and gaps in pupils’ knowledge before moving on to new learning,” inspectors said.
Leaders were said to prioritise reading and it was noted that pupils talk with enthusiasm about the books they love.
“Pupils have many opportunities to read in school and are encouraged to read at home. Teachers and teaching assistants are experts in the teaching of reading. Pupils learn phonics well.”
Arrangements for safeguarding at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, were described as effective.
Inspectors said: “All staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, receive regular safeguarding training. Everyone takes their safeguarding responsibilities seriously. They know what to look out for and how to record their concerns about pupils. Leaders act without delay when staff raise concerns.”
Grainne Beaumont, Headteacher at St Margaret’s, said: “I am thrilled for the staff who work so hard and for the children who are all superstars.
“The two inspectors were very impressed with the children in school. They spoke about the children being positive advocates for the school. This showed itself in the way the children behaved and worked on the day and emphasised how much the children wanted to impress the inspectors. It also showed how much pride they have for their school and teachers. Teachers were extremely proud of all the children. ”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St Margaret’s. It was lovely to read all of the positive comments from Ofsted inspectors, which are a wonderful reflection of such a caring school where staff and governors are focused on providing children with the very best education and care.”
Lessons in bridge building, morse code using electrical currents, and communicating via cans were all on the timetable at a Glossop primary school as part of British Science Week.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy welcomed 18 Year 8 students from partner secondary school St Philip Howard, who led science lessons working with pupils of all ages.
The Year 8 students planned and delivered the sessions, which included creating a magnet obstacle course and setting up a crime scene investigation.
The day was part of British Science Week- a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 10-19 March 2023 and this year’s theme is connections.
Nicola Barry, science co-ordinator at Saint Mary’s, in Gladstone Street, thanked pupils and staff from St Philip Howard.
She said: “We thought this was an ideal opportunity to further strengthen our links with St Philip Howard as our partner secondary school.
“Their students came up with ideas for the day and planned them. They then led the sessions in classes with support from our staff. Our pupils worked in classes made up of different year groups and it’s been nice to see pupils of different ages working together.
“Our pupils have looked at bridge building, morse code, using magnets, can communication and they have absolutely loved it. Some of the St Philip Howard students used to be pupils here and it’s been lovely to see them again.”
Kadie, a Year 8 student at St Philip Howard, said she enjoyed working with pupils at Saint Mary’s.
She said: “I was in the sessions about morse code but there are different groups doing lots of different things. I volunteered to take part because I enjoy science and I like doing more practical experiments. I liked working with the children at Saint Mary’s; the day was amazing.”
Jane-Ann Birkitt, Joint Head of Science at St Philip Howard, in Sunlaws Street, said the day was a great experience for pupils from both schools.
She said: “The aim of the day was for our Year 8 students to practice their skills and share their enthusiasm for science with the pupils at Saint Mary’s and to look at how anybody can be a scientist.
“We wanted to show the Saint Mary’s pupils techniques and equipment that they might not get the opportunity to use in primary school.
“It was a great day and we were made to feel very welcome. It was lovely for some of our pupils, who used to go to Saint Mary’s, to come back and nice for the Saint Mary’s staff to see how they’ve developed.”
We recruiting a Head of Finance, this is a fantastic opportunity to join our Central Team and help make a difference across our 25 schools.
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Pupils enjoy attending Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, where ‘everyone looks after each other’ and leaders have high expectations, according to Ofsted inspectors.
Following an ungraded inspection in January 2023, Ofsted said that Saint Mary’s, in New Mills, continues to be a ‘Good’ school.
“Pupils enjoy attending this small, calm and productive school. They say that they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to follow the school’s ‘gospel values’. These values help pupils care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors,” inspectors said.
The report noted that parents and carers are supportive of the school and pupils are also very positive.
“One parent expressed the view of others when they said, ‘We love St Mary’s! It is a very welcoming, nurturing, family environment’. Pupils are also very positive about their school; they value it and like it. They know that there are trusted adults who will support them to learn and keep safe. Pupils appreciate the effort staff take to get to know them. Relationships are positive,” inspectors said.
Leaders have high expectations of what pupils should learn, the report said, and are passionate about providing an environment that prepares pupils to be ‘confident, happy citizens.”
“Staff are determined to give pupils lots of memorable experiences. They want pupils’ learning to be relevant and embedded in their community,” inspectors said.
Pupils were said to behave well in lessons and around the school and the report said that leaders have developed a very ambitious curriculum.
Inspectors said: “They (leaders) have ensured that the information pupils need to learn is well structured. This helps pupils to fill any gaps in their knowledge.
“Pupils are eager to learn. They take pride in their work and complete it to the best of their ability. Leaders have prioritised reading. They have found many creative ways to introduce pupils to different books and texts.”
Children in early years get off to a strong start and older ‘buddies’ help them to settle quickly into school, according to the report.
Inspectors said that leaders have systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The report said that there is a strong focus on pupils’ broader development and they noted that the school is well led.
Arrangements for safeguarding were also found to be effective.
Patricia Chapman, Headteacher at Saint Mary’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our Ofsted report and the fact that the inspectors clearly highlighted the high expectations of what pupils should learn and the memorable experiences that pupils gain through a very ambitious curriculum.
“Thank you to all of our amazing staff who consistently demonstrate how dedicated they are in ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential at Saint Mary’s.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Saint Mary’s on their overwhelmingly positive Ofsted report. It was lovely to read inspectors’ comments, which reflect what a wonderful school Saint Mary’s is. Staff, governors, pupils and everyone connected to the school community should be very proud.”
Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The school is one of only three secondary schools in the country to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ under the new Ofsted framework.
Inspectors said that pupils are extremely proud to be part of this “highly ambitious school’ and that leaders have the highest expectations for pupils, who receive a “high quality” education.
The ‘Sutton Way’ was highlighted in the report, which focuses on academic excellence, spiritual development and social excellence and permeates throughout the school.
“Staff meet the needs of all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, exceptionally well. Staff welcome pupils warmly into school each morning. Relationships between adults and pupils are positive and respectful,” inspectors said.
The report said that pupils behave very well in lessons and around school and that they consistently exhibit the school’s values of kindness, love and respect.
“Pupils feel safe here. They know who to talk to if they have a concern. Poor behaviour and bullying are never tolerated. Pupils are highly focused in lessons and are keen to participate. They learn well because teaching is very effective. Teachers are highly knowledgeable. Pupils enjoy their lessons and are successful in many subjects,” inspectors said.
Headteacher Laura O’Leary was said to have brought about “phenomenal change” across the whole school since her appointment in 2019.
Inspectors, who visited the school in January 2023, said: “She and her senior team provide exceptional leadership. They lead by example, with sensitive and calm authority. They know what is best for their pupils.”
The curriculum at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, was described as “very broad and ambitious”.
“The vast majority of pupils now study the suite of subjects that make up the English baccalaureate in key stage 4. Subject leaders have carefully planned the curriculum so that pupils can learn new knowledge in a highly structured way. Lessons are extremely well sequenced to ensure pupils build on what they have learned before. Teachers plan lessons exceptionally well,” inspectors said.
Pupils’ understanding is checked frequently so that “no child is left behind” and teachers use a range of effective strategies and high quality resources to ensure that almost all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve exceptionally well, Ofsted said.
“Pupils have highly positive attitudes to their learning. They fully concentrate in lessons and low-level disruptive behaviour is rare. Pupils attend school regularly and punctuality levels are very high for all pupils. They love coming to school,” inspectors said.
The school’s personal, social and health education programme was described as “highly effective” and inspectors said that leaders provide pupils with effective careers advice and guidance, meaning that they are very well prepared for their next steps by the end of Year 11.
Inspectors said that safeguarding arrangements at the school were effective and that governance was a real strength of the school. They also said that staff are extremely proud to work at Blessed Robert Sutton.
Miss O’Leary, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, said: “We have been on a mission to provide an excellent education for all of our wonderful students, which we have achieved with the support of our phenomenal, dedicated staff, the parents and carers of our students and governors.
“I am extremely proud of this report and the education we provide for all students at Robert Sutton. The outcome of this inspection is testament to the efforts of our entire school community, especially the hard work and positive attitude of our students and the commitment and service of our staff team.
“Given that the new inspection framework is much more rigorous and judgements harder to achieve, combined with the ongoing demands of the pandemic, it makes it even more pleasing that inspectors did not identify any areas for development.”
John Rimmer, Chair of Governors, said: “The Governors are incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved by the Headteacher, staff and pupils since the last inspection. It is a phenomenal achievement to produce such a big improvement in the performance of the school in such a short space of time.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted for the whole school community that the school has been graded as Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. It is an incredible achievement and we know how much hard work has gone into this from Miss O’Leary and all of the staff, governors and pupils. It is also fantastic news for Blessed Robert Sutton pupils who start their journey at partner schools in our Trust, St Edward’s and Holy Rosary. As a Trust we will continue to support Blessed Robert Sutton, to ensure that the school continues to go from strength to strength.”
