What Others Say About Us
A full Ofsted Inspection of St Mary’s in May 2022 was extremely positive and confirmed that St Mary’s Catholic Academy continues to be good in all areas. Inspectors noted in relation to curriculum that: “Leaders have ensured that pupils follow a suitably ambitious curriculum. Pupils achieve well overall. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Students in the sixth form receive an especially strong quality of education.” They were also pleased to see in relation to behaviour that: “Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are polite and well mannered. They enjoy positive relationships with one another.” We were pleased that inspectors noted the strength of personal development: “Pupils benefit from a strong programme of personal development. This includes ageappropriate relationships and sex education and health education. Pupils learn about other cultures and beliefs. Teachers prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain.” and our focus on the well being and development of staff: “Leaders are passionate about supporting the well-being of staff. They put a strong emphasis on professional development, including research. They care for their staff. Teachers appreciate the efforts made by leaders to reduce their workload. Staff enjoy working at the school.”
Read the full Ofsted Report
Our Diocesan Inspection Report in March 2017 graded us as “outstanding”. A copy of the full report is available on the via the link on the menu on this page. Some of the inspector’s findings were:
- This an outstanding Catholic Academy. Christ is at the centre of all it does and Gospel values permeate throughout.
- The leadership of the academy is outstanding as Directors and leaders are totally committed to the Church’s mission of high quality Catholic education for all.
- Staff are authentic witnesses to Gospel values and endeavour to live these out in their work with pupils, especially the most vulnerable. The quality of the pastoral care is outstanding with all pupils and staff expressing the caring community that exists in all aspects of the life of the academy. Pupils care deeply about their school with one Year 11 pupil saying, “I feel lucky to come here.”
- The prayer and liturgical life of the academy is outstanding. There is a very strong Chaplaincy team whose work permeates the whole of the academy and supports and encourages the work of all staff. Pupils are actively engaged in the prayer life of the academy and take part and lead prayer and liturgy on a regular basis.
- Pupils are attentive and want to achieve. They show confidence in their teachers and enjoy positive relationships with them.
Read the full Diocesan Section 48 Report
Our Investors in People status was renewed in April 2018. The latest report is available on our website and contains the following comments:
“The sense of team is very strong in the Academy, everyone pitches in to get the job done. As a result there is a strong culture of everyone learning and sharing together. In addition everyone is clear about the standard of work required.”
“People described a ‘family’ culture where staff work collaboratively for the benefit of the Students and the community.”
“High levels of staff retention; people do not leave St Mary’s Catholic Academy.”
“People unanimously commented on the Academy as being a ‘great place to work’ referring to the environment as being hardworking but friendly, supportive and flexible.”“People said that they appreciated the extra treats they received e.g. refreshments, breakfasts/ buffets at end of term, 100 minute extended CPD, opportunities to undertake research/ projects/ qualifications to list but a few.”
Read the full Investor in People Report
2022 Results
GCSE attainment data was up in comparison to 2019 in English and Maths, with 62.6% of students achieving a grade 4+ in both subjects compared to 60% in 2019 (the last year results were based on examinations) and 37.4% achieving a grade 5 or above compared to 35.5% in 2019. Progress across subjects however was not as strong as in 2019 where our progress 8 measure was -0.25. This year’s figure is -0.6. Our students, in the context of Blackpool, faced many challenges from the pandemic and we have a clear plan in place to ensure that our current cohort of students make much better progress.
At A level attainment and progress were down slightly with 96% (100% in 2019) of students achieving an A*-E, 17.4% A*/A (23.1) and 36.3% A*-B (50%). Performance in level 3 vocational and technical qualifications was much stronger with 76.5% D*/D, 98.5% D*-M and 100% D*-P. Some of our more vulnerable students really struggled with the after effects of COVID19 on our community. We are delighted that with hard work the vast majority secured the destinations they wanted through hard work and support from our staff and their families. Our Sixth Form provision remains a strength of our school.
