St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all assessed as part of the two-day inspection.
Inspectors said: “Pupils enjoy learning at this school. Parents and carers, staff and pupils talk of an inclusive, family atmosphere. One parent, with a comment that was typical of many, said, ‘[The school has given their child] the best chance to be the best that they can be.’”
Leaders have high expectations of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the report said.
Pupils’ behaviour was praised and inspectors said they behaved calmly in lessons.
They said: “They (pupils) are positive about their experience of school and describe learning as fun. Pupils enjoy being rewarded for following the school rules of ‘Be ready, be respectful, be safe’. Pupils say that they feel safe. They do not worry about bullying. They know they can talk to staff if they have any concerns, and that staff will help them. Pupils talk warmly of their relationships with staff.”
Pupils benefit from wider opportunities, inspectors said, highlighting gardening club, choir, multi-sports club, school council and pupil parliament.
The report said that leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum to help pupils develop their knowledge of the subjects they study.
Inspectors said: “Subject leaders have carefully organised what pupils will learn and when. They have created opportunities for pupils to revisit previous learning. Pupils’ learning in Year One builds on the knowledge they develop in the Reception class.”
Teachers present key knowledge clearly to pupils, and staff in the Reception class skilfully help pupils to understand the world in which they live, the report said.
Inspectors said: “Teachers encourage pupils to become independent learners. They provide resources such as dictionaries, phonics folders and vocabulary books. When learning how to write in different styles, pupils use these resources before asking an adult for help. Leaders have prioritised reading.”
Staff are proud to work at St Anne’s, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, and leaders, governors and trustees work together to improve the quality of education that pupils receive.
There is a culture of vigilance to keep pupils safe and safeguarding arrangements are effective, the report said.
Julia Wiggins, Headteacher at St Anne’s, in Lightwood Road, said: “I’m delighted to share that, at our most recent Ofsted inspection, in December 2022, we were judged Good in all areas and Good overall.
“This judgement validates the hard work, dedication, commitment and devotion of our whole team – our site team, office team, teaching team, governing body and the Catholic Multi Academy Trust of which we are part, St Ralph Sherwin.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this successful outcome, in particular, our parents who have remained loyal to the school and, of course, our wonderful children. This is for all of us, here’s to the next chapter! #proudtobeStAnne’s.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted for everyone at St Anne’s. It is great to see that Ofsted has recognised all of the work that goes on every day at the school to ensure that pupils receive the very best education and care. Thank you to all of the staff, governors, pupils and families who make St Anne’s such a special place.”
