What Ofsted Say About Us

Ofsted Inspection, May 2023

Ofsted describe St Catherine’s as a happy, nurturing and ambitious school where pupils flourish both personally and academically. Inspectors highlight the strong relationships, excellent behaviour, and high expectations that enable children to succeed.

Key Strengths from Ofsted

• “Pupils, including children in the early years, are happy and proud to be part of the St Catherine’s family.”
• “Staff know the pupils very well, and relationships are strong.”
• “Leaders have high expectations of all pupils… pupils live up to these expectations and achieve well.”
• “Pupils feel safe in the school because they know adults look after them effectively.”
• “Leaders have been resolute in designing a well‑organised and ambitious curriculum… pupils embed and consolidate their knowledge.”
• “Reading is at the centre of the curriculum… older pupils have developed a love of reading.”
• “Pupils with SEND play a full and active role in all aspects of school life.”
• Pupils told inspectors, “Everyone is different, but they are all welcome here.”

Overall, the school was judged Good in all areas.

What Our Catholic School Inspection Says About Us

Catholic Schools Inspectorate, November 2023

Our Catholic School Inspection celebrates St Catherine’s as a faith-filled, welcoming and loving community, where the mission “Love God, work hard, be kind” is fully lived and clearly visible in daily school life.

Key Strengths from the Catholic Inspection

• “As you enter St Catherine’s, there is an immediate sense of welcome and belonging.”
• “The mission statement… is at the heart of the school community.”
• “It is a community where pride and family shines brightly.”
• “The school environment celebrates its Catholic character.”
• “The Early Years provision is particularly strong in teaching and in leadership of prayer.”
• “Prayer is central to school life… pupils participate consciously and actively in acts of prayer.”
• “The headteacher and deputy headteacher have a clear vision… driven to bring about excellent outcomes for this community.”
• “Staff and pupils create a calm, prayerful atmosphere… the mission is truly lived out.”
• Parent voice included:
  • “Christ is at the centre of our school family.”
  • “The children live out the mission ‘Love God, Work hard, Be kind’ in their daily lives.”

The school was graded Good in:

• Catholic Life and Mission
• Religious Education
• Collective Worship

Please find below our most recent Ofsted reports, and relevant information from the Department for Education Performance Tables.