Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, continues to be a good school, according to Ofsted.
Inspectors visited the school in November 2023 to carry out an ungraded inspection. Ungraded inspections are usually carried out every four years once a school has been judged to be good. Saint Benedict was judged to be good in 2018.
Inspectors who visited in November said: “Pupils feel safe and cared for at this school. They know who they can talk to if they have a problem. Most parents speak positively about the pastoral and academic care that pupils receive. Parents say, ‘The staff at the school truly care about all aspects of our children’s learning.’ Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive a high level of support.”
The report said that the school’s curriculum identified the key knowledge that pupils will learn and teachers were knowledgeable about the subjects they teach.
Pupils’ personal development was described as “impressive” and inspectors said that pupils had a deep understanding of equality and diversity.
The extensive wider personal development programme was praised along with the “well-developed” careers programme at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
The support given to pupils with Special Educational Needs was praised by inspectors.
They said: “Staff know their pupils well, including those with SEND. Staff identify any pupil with additional needs quickly. The school puts in place any extra support that pupils may need. Extra support is well matched to pupils’ needs and is regularly reviewed. Staff who work with visually impaired pupils are extremely knowledgeable about the needs of these pupils. They provide expert support. The school provides support for pupils with SEND beyond the academic provision. For example, the school provides a focus on independent living skills for some pupils.”
Inspectors said that pupils behaved well in lessons and that behaviour around school was calm, including at lunch and break times. The report said that pupils were happy in school and that they were kind and respectful to each other. Classrooms were described as calm and inspectors said that pupils could focus on their work, free from interruptions.
They said that sixth formers actively participated in school life and acted as mentors for younger pupils.
Inspectors said that governance was a strength of the school and that those with responsibility for governance provide support, challenge and expertise. They also said that staff were happy to work at the school and feel well cared for and that safeguarding arrangements at the school were effective.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the report and especially proud of the fact it recognises our strong pastoral care and personal development programme. The report is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all the staff and pupils at Saint Benedict.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Saint Benedict on this report and thank you to all of the staff there who work so hard every day to improve the life chances of so many children. This is a fantastic achievement.”
