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 October 2023 graded us as “Good”. The Academy was graded
as “Outstanding” for Catholic life and mission and for Collective worship. A copy of the full report is
available on the Academy website. Some of the inspector’s findings were:

• The school has exceptionally high standards of pastoral care and support for its students.
  Through the extensive range of services, student welfare is given the highest priority.
• Provision for chaplaincy, as well as the impact this team make on the lives of the students and
  staff, in and beyond the school is outstanding.
• Sixth form core religious education is very strong and strengthens the distinctive offer to Catholic students.
• The headteacher, leadership team, governors and trust board show a great dedication to the
  development of St Mary’s as an inclusive and caring school. The highest priority is given to
  Christian formation and academic success.
• A very strong commitment to Catholic social teaching is evident throughout this community and students proactively engage in charity work.
• The strong sense of community is a defining characteristic and visitors often remark on the warm and inclusive atmosphere, extending to individuals of all faith backgrounds, making them feel part of the Catholic community.

Public Examination Results 2025

St Mary’s students are celebrating another year of strong success in their public examinations. This year’s results reflect the determination, resilience and ambition of our young people, many of whom began their secondary education during the disruption of the pandemic yet continued to meet challenges with maturity and commitment.

At GCSE, outcomes were strong across a wide range of subjects, underpinned by a robust Attainment 8 score. Students excelled in English, Science, Computer Science, Art and French, as well as in our vocational pathways, including Business Studies, Creative Design, Health and Social Care, ICT and PE. The breadth of achievement showcases the strength of our curriculum and the dedication of both students and staff. Many of our high-achieving Year 11 pupils will now continue their studies in our Sixth Form.

Sixth Form students also enjoyed significant success. Across all A Level and Level 3 courses, students achieved a 97% pass rate, with 66% of all A Level grades awarded at grade C or above. Performance in vocational qualifications was particularly strong, with a 100% pass rate in Cambridge technical subjects and 69% of grades awarded at Distinction, and 94% at Merit or better. A number of students achieved exceptional individual results and secured places at top universities, including Oxford, Durham, York, Leeds, Salford and Sheffield, pursuing courses such as Medicine, Architecture, Psychology, Film Production and Physics.

The Academy is proud of the achievements of every student. Their successes reflect not only their effort, but also the expertise and commitment of our staff and the invaluable support of parents and carers. As our students move on to Sixth Form, university, apprenticeships or the world of work, they do so with the confidence and skills needed for the next stage of their journey.