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Great schools receive a positive Ofsted inspection and relax slightly. Phew!

However, impeccable schools receive a positive Ofsted inspection and go straight to thinking about what they can achieve next.

This rings particularly true for St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Grangetown; after Ofsted judged the school to be outstanding in all areas, the determined Head Teacher vowed to continue striving to ensure its children benefit from an education as good as anywhere else in the country.

Now that’s speaking the Schools North East language!

An amazing recognition the whole school community strived for

Inspectors say St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Grangetown is “a beacon of aspiration in the community,” adding: “The school’s ethos of love underpins everything it does.”

Understandably, Executive Head Teacher Anna McClurey was delighted with the outcome, and says the school’s success is a real team effort. She thanked pupils, families, staff, governors, and the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).

“We couldn’t have achieved this amazing recognition without our parents, carers and families,” Mrs McClurey said.

“We would like to thank them and their fantastic children for the unrelenting support they have shown to St Mary’s and the changes we have embraced.

“We are extremely proud of everything we have been able to achieve at St Mary’s and with their help we look forward to going from strength to strength.

“I would like to give enormous thanks to our team of dedicated staff and leaders, who work tirelessly to give the very best to the children in our care.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the skill and commitment of our governors and support of the trust, who do so much to support everything we’re trying to do here.”

An inclusive and vibrant environment where children are encouraged to shine

The glowing Ofsted report said: “Pupils have consistently positive attitudes towards their learning. They are polite and respectful learners. Pupils participate in lessons with enthusiasm.

“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. There are clear and high expectations of behaviour in place. Pupils know, understand and abide by the school’s behaviour routines.”

In addition to impeccable behaviour and attitudes, inspectors praised the wide range of after-school clubs and trips on offer for the 218-pupil school, and described the curriculum as “incredibly ambitious”.

The report went on to say: “The school ensures that pupils have an in-depth understanding of how to keep mentally healthy.

“Members of the local governing board have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

“They recognise that the strength of all leaders, including the executive headteacher, subject leaders and trust leaders, contributes hugely to the outstanding education on offer.”

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “The staff and students have created a truly remarkable environment, as confirmed in the report. This outcome is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing what this amazing school family achieves next.”

All pupils receive support to fulfil their potential

Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is described as “excellent”.

Mrs McClurey, who is also executive Head Teacher of St Pius X Catholic Primary in Park End, said pupils were a credit to the school, their families, and to the Grangetown community throughout the inspection.

“We are incredibly proud of our inclusive and vibrant school, where all children thrive,” she said, in addition to promising: “Even though the report identifies no areas for improvement, we will never stop trying to get better.

“We aim to ensure the children of Grangetown benefit from a quality of education that’s every bit as good as that on offer anywhere in the country.

“We pledge to continue helping all our pupils fulfil their potential, to drive forward standards and to ensure the best for our pupils every day of their school lives.”

One of the country’s largest Catholic multi-academy trusts, NPCAT is made up of 38 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York.

Trust CEO Mr Hegarty praised Mrs McClurey and the St Mary’s staff for what he said was “a magnificent achievement”.

“I would particularly reflect on the climate for learning which has been developed under her leadership at the school and embraced by all staff and is so valued by every pupil.

“This is so difficult to achieve and apply consistently, whereby every pupil is acknowledged as an individual made in the image and likeness of God and has ambition and a deep sense of their ability to achieve.”

Well done, St Mary’s Catholic Primary! It sounds like you’re already making 2024 your year.

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