School Report
Rev. John Brucciani, Headmaster, July 2019
Mid-May 2019, St. Michael's School was notified of yet another Ofsted inspection commencing the next day and lasting for three days. This was the fourth in two years, following the judgment of "inadequate" that was published in October 2017.
Thanks to the incessant activity and labour of staff and parents over the past two years, we were thrilled to receive a very positive report from Her Majesty's Inspectors. The school has been judged "good" in regards to the effectiveness of its leadership and management, the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment, and pupil outcomes. The personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils is judged "outstanding".
Some quotes from the report:
A culture of high ambition permeates through the school...
Pupils experience a curriculum that equips them well for the future...
Pupils demonstrate a highly developed sense of respect for each other...
Across the school, pupils' attitudes to learning are very positive...
Teachers have strong subject knowledge...
Staff clearly care about pupils' wellbeing and are keen to provide for their needs...
The school is a harmonious place... Behaviour is outstanding.
These results come as a great relief. In recent years, the Department of Education has been busy issuing new Statutory Guidelines in multiple areas of school organisation and administration, in particular in regards to child safeguarding, development and welfare, and teaching and learning. Inspection Frameworks have become more detailed and complex. It now requires tight management and constant review to remain abreast of legislation. Ofsted has also reorganised in the past few years, and schools must now submit to more frequent and stringent inspections.
The positive outcome of this latest inspection brings with it the reassurance that St. Michael's now has an education model that meets current legislation whilst ensuring an authentic Catholic education to children. This is no mean feat. Our school is unique in this country. We hope that Catholic parents desirous of a Catholic education for their children will not hesitate to consider taking advantage of what is truly a miracle of Divine Providence and gift of grace. Please do not hesitate to contact the school. Please do not hesitate to support it by signing up to Operation Philomena.
Deo gratias.
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