DIOCESAN INSPECTION REPORT - NOV 2024

I am delighted to share the result of our recent Catholic School Inspection report, where English Martyrs was judged to be a Good Catholic School. The inspection team described English Martyrs as a truly unique school which serves its diverse community generously and inclusively. Where a culture of welcome pervades all aspects of school life, including the Oscar Romero Centre, and pupils and parents feel highly valued. Staff are excellent role models and therefore pupils are highly respectful.

Our school has been recognised as outstanding in 2 of the 3 key areas:

1. Catholic Life and Mission: The inspectors found our Catholic life and mission to be outstanding. They noted that our school serves its diverse

community extremely well and remains deeply rooted in faith. Our school mission, ‘loving Jesus, loving learning, loving life,’ is profoundly experienced by all members of the English Martyrs’ community.

Staff ensure that the Catholic character permeates all aspects of school life. They are excellent role models and create an environment that distinctly reflects the mission of the Church.

2. Collective Worship: The quality and range of our Collective Worship has been graded as outstanding. They noted that prayer is at the heart of English Martyrs,’ living out the mission statement and ‘Be-attitudes’ with passion. It is part of the rhythm of every day and is adapted to reflect the liturgical season. Our pupils confidently articulate how prayer positively influences them; they know that there are different ways to pray, and they are reverent and respectful of one another’s beliefs. Prayer is part of the rhythm of every day and is adapted to reflect the liturgical season.

3. Religious Education: The quality of Religious Education has been graded as good. The inspection team noted that from their starting points, most pupils make good progress in religious education and can work independently. They can talk about their learning and how it informs their actions. Pupils, including those with additional needs, make progress because of the adaptations that are made for them to access lessons. The religious education ‘curriculum champion’ is highly dedicated and her support is greatly valued by colleagues, who consider that she is inspiring in the way that she shares her passion for the subject.

Although our judgement has changed from outstanding in 2017, this is a result of a change in the inspection framework, where Curriculum RE is a limiting judgement.

The areas for improvement were known to school going into the inspection and plans are already in place to address them.

I am so pleased that the inspection team recognised what a truly special place English Martyrs' is and captures the essence of who we are as a school community.

This outcome reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our parents/carers, and the engagement of our pupils in creating our wonderful Catholic school community. We will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of our Catholic education.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Miss Elliott