St Charles’ Catholic Voluntary Academy has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision at St Charles’, in Hadfield, Glossop, were all judged to be ‘Good’ following a two-day inspection.
Inspectors said that staff did their utmost to ensure that pupils ‘Belong, Believe and Blossom’ at St Charles’.
They said: “This ethos and vision shine through many aspects of school life. Pupils say that they are happy and safe. One pupil said, ‘It is a pleasure to be here. I am proud to be part of this school.’
Praise was given to staff who “have high expectations for pupils’, according to the report, which also said that pupils worked hard and were enthusiastic learners who contributed well to lessons.
“They (pupils) behave well and are polite to each other, staff and to visitors,” inspectors said.
The report noted that staff provided a wide range of popular activities that helped to stretch pupils’ talents and interests.
Inspectors said: “They provide opportunities that pupils may not have experienced within the local community. Visiting a beach, a museum or various places of worship, for example.”
Parents’ “overwhelmingly” positive views of the school were also highlighted. Inspectors said: “One typical comment being ‘I couldn’t be happier with the progress my child has made since they started at the school.”
The curriculum was praised in the report and described as being ‘ambitious and well designed’ with leaders prioritising the teaching of phonics and early reading.
“Children in the early years get a good deal. Staff ensure the planned activities are purposeful and interesting. Children can sustain their attention and concentration on these activities. The well-resourced classroom and outdoor area are busy yet calm. Relationships are warm and positive,” the report said.
Inspectors said that pupils had a good attitude to their learning, along with a good understanding of diversity and equality.
Arrangements for safeguarding were found to be effective and the governing body holds leaders to account for their actions, inspectors said.
Bernadette Quirke, Headteacher at St Charles’, said: “Since our last inspection we have been on a journey of significant improvement, as well as coming out of the Covid pandemic.
“We are delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection which is down to the commitment of our dedicated team at St Charles’, school leaders and the Trust.
“We would like to thank staff and our pupils for all of their hard work and our families and wider school community for their support.”
Kevin Gritton, Trust Chief Executive, said: “We are so proud of the staff, community and children at St Charles’. We are delighted that the hard work that has been done over the years to provide children with the very best Catholic education has been recognised in this report from Ofsted. Well done to everyone involved.”