Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton has been rated as good in all areas following a Diocesan Canonical Inspection.
Inspectors from the Diocese of Nottingham assessed the quality of Catholic Life, RE education and Collective Worship at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
The inspection also looked at the behaviour and attitudes of pupils, their personal development, the leadership and management of the school and its overall effectiveness, judging all to be good and concluded: “The overall effectiveness of Blessed Robert Sutton school is good and has improved since the last inspection. Under the inspirational leadership of the Headteacher and her senior team, the school has now re-established its strong Catholic identity and ethos. As a result of dynamic and driven leadership, Catholic Life is promoted at all levels within the school.”
Highlighting the many areas in which the school excels, the report praised ‘The Sutton Way’ and inspectors described behaviour as excellent.
During their visit, inspectors met with the Headteacher Laura O’Leary, senior leaders and governors. They talked to pupils about their work and visited lessons and Collective Worship, observed extra-curricular activities and form time sessions, spoke to curriculum leaders and teachers and looked in depth at the RE curriculum.
The additional pastoral capacity put in place to provide mental health and wellbeing support for pupils was also recognised in the report.
Teaching and learning in RE was praised with inspectors saying: “Behaviour in lessons is excellent: there is a warm and positive relationship between teachers and pupils.”
Inspectors sought the views of members of the school community, including parents, pupils and staff.
One parent told inspectors: “The staff live and breathe the school values, and that is passed onto pupils. There is a unique and indefinable sense of welcoming at the school, no matter which member of staff you speak to.”
All staff said they feel valued and referred to being part of a special community and are incredibly proud to work at the school.
The wider personal development of pupils and preparation for life after Blessed Robert Sutton was identified as another strength of the school. With the report stating: “All pupils benefit from the emphasis on personal development with the pupil leadership and enrichment opportunities.”
Trust CEO, Sean McClafferty, said: “We are all hugely delighted and proud with the outcome of this inspection. Under Miss O’Leary’s leadership the school has continued to improve in every aspect of its work. This report acknowledges the effort and commitment of all those associated with the school and recognises the important role the Catholic Life of the school plays in the community.”
Chair of Governors, John Rimmer, said: “I am delighted with the way the school has improved in such a short time. I would like to thank Miss O’Leary, the staff and pupils in the school who have worked so hard to achieve this excellent result.”
Miss O’Leary said: “As Headteacher I am extremely proud of this report and the education we provide for all students at Blessed 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 the ongoing demands of the pandemic, this makes it even more pleasing that inspectors identified ‘there is a strong sense of community at Blessed Robert Sutton and pupils are very proud of their school.
“We are so pleased with our inspection and the recognition it affords to the collective efforts of staff, students, families and our wider community. We will continue to strive to ensure that our school remains the best possible place for students to learn and grow as individuals.”
