Pupil behaviour at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is exemplary and school leaders are ambitious for the vision of the school, according to Catholic Schools Inspectors.
The school, in Belper, was rated Good overall in its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, carried out in March.
In the newly published report, inspectors said that the school’s Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all Good.
They said: “The mission statement at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, ‘Be like Jesus, be your best, be safe, be caring,’ alongside the seven Franciscan values of joy, forgiveness, faith, respect, service, peace and stewardship, are at the heart of the school community. Pupils and staff demonstrate a good understanding of this mission, which is visibly lived out every day. Pupil behaviour is exemplary.”
Pupils consistently show respect and care for each other, showing politeness to visitors and staff members. They also help and care for each other, taking great pride in their own special leadership roles and responsibilities, according to the report.
“School leaders are ambitious for the vision of the school. They share and live out their faith; they identify strengths and areas of development for the school; they implement systematic plans to drive improvement.”
The report highlighted a “well-developed sense of community” at St Elizabeth’s where “all are cared for and supported.”
“Parents say, ‘We feel our children are loved and nurtured at St Elizabeth’s. Staff are great role models and it is clear that children are encouraged to be respectful and caring to each other,’” the report said.
Inspectors said that pupils demonstrate impressive religious literacy and verbally communicate a wealth of knowledge about religious education. They said: “They express a deep understanding of how this impacts on their daily lives. Pupils show enthusiasm and enjoyment when planning and leading worship. They plan thoughtful prayer and liturgical prayer and are keen to share these occasions with the wider school community.”
Amanda Clemens, Headteacher at St Elizabeth’s, and Tim Ward, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We are delighted to report that our CSI recognises how wonderful our children are, it acknowledges their excellent behaviour, the provision which encourages them to be global citizens of the future and the sense of community that we all feel at St Elizabeth’s.”
St Elizabeth’s is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Kevin Gritton, Trust Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St Elizabeth’s. It was a joy to read such a wonderful report which highlights all of the excellent work going on at the school. Well done to all staff, governors and pupils.”
