Primary pupils across St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust have achieved excellent outcomes in this year’s statutory tests, with many results exceeding national averages.

The Trust is pleased to report another year of strong academic performance, with improvements seen across a number of key indicators, reflecting the dedication of pupils, staff and school leaders throughout its family of 20 Catholic primary schools.

In 2026, the Trust’s combined Reading, Writing and Mathematics expected standard reached 66%, outperforming the national average of 63% and representing a four percentage point increase on the Trust’s 2025 result.

Performance at the higher standard in Reading, Writing and Mathematics also remained strong, with 9% of pupils achieving this measure, compared with a national average of 8%. This continues the Trust’s above-national performance achieved in 2025.

There was also positive progress in other key areas of primary education:

  • Year 1 and Year 2 Phonics outcomes improved to levels above the national average.
  • The proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage increased by five percentage points from 2025, reaching 76%, compared with a national figure of 72%.

Lisa Walton, Chief Executive Officer of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said:

“Clearly, the children have worked very hard this year, but I would also like to recognise the extraordinary work that all staff continue to do in our schools to ensure that the teaching and learning strategies deliver excellent outcomes for all children.

“This, of course, is made possible by the highest expectations of standards, effort, behaviour and attendance, driven by school leaders.

“As a Catholic Trust we are committed to a fully inclusive education and therefore inclusion and support for all pupils is at the heart of what we do.”

The St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust comprises of 20 primary schools and five secondary schools across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, the High Peak and Stockport.