Ofsted 2025

Our recent visit from Ofsted confirmed our school continues to be a GOOD school.

I am delighted to share with you the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place on 13 and 14 May 2025. The inspection resulted in school maintaining its GOOD judgement. This outcome is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and shared commitment of our entire school community.

The inspection team truly understood the heart of our school – recognising the inclusive, nurturing environment we work so hard to create and the high aspirations we hold for every pupil. They saw, first-hand, the strong relationships between staff and pupils, the high standards of teaching and support, and the safe, respectful and ambitious culture we foster every day.

We were especially proud of how our pupils conducted themselves throughout the inspection. Their confidence, courtesy, and clear pride in their school shone through. The inspectors were extremely impressed by them, and rightly so – they are a credit to you, to us, and most importantly, to themselves.

I would like to highlight just a few extracts from the report:

• “Pupils and their parents and carers describe Brownedge St Mary’s as a school with a ‘family feel’ where everyone is valued.” - A testament to our warm, nurturing culture and strong community ethos.

• “Pupils are united in their praise for the school’s inclusive ethos. One pupil reflected the views of many, saying, ‘You don’t have to be afraid to be yourself here.’” – A powerful tribute to our school’s support for individuality and emotional safety.

• “Pupils, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well and typically move on to ambitious next steps in further education.” – Highlights our school’s effectiveness in supporting all learners to achieve and aspire.

• “The school’s work on pupils’ personal development is a tangible strength. A meticulously designed programme of spiritual, moral and cultural opportunities is at the heart of school life.” “The school’s extensive programme of extra-curricular activities is noteworthy.” – Underscores the richness and intentionality of our wider curriculum.

• “Pupils leave the school as confident individuals, more than ready for their next steps in life.” – A compelling summary of our ultimate impact on our pupils.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the commitment of our dedicated staff, the enthusiasm and resilience of our fantastic pupils, and the ongoing support you show as parents and carers.

Thank you for your continued support and trust. Your partnership plays a vital role in making our school the thriving, vibrant place it is. This positive outcome belongs to all of us – staff, pupils and families – working together to help every child succeed. We encourage you to read the full report, which is available on our school website and the Ofsted website.

With sincere thanks

Mrs N Oddie, Headteacher

Ofsted

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Catholic Schools Inspection 

In November 2022 we were inspected under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. This inspection evaluates the quality of Religious Education and the Catholic nature of our school. We were extremely pleased to have been graded as GOOD overall, with two of the three main judgements graded as OUTSTANDING.

KEY STRENGTHS OF THE SCHOOL INCLUDE:

  • The pastoral provision is exceptional
  • The school is extremely welcoming, and the sense of community is palpable
  • ... (Gospel) values are lived out, permeate the school and are exemplified by strong positive relationships resulting in a united and joyful community
  • Chaplaincy provision is outstanding, creative and multi-faceted
  • Staff have excellent relationships with students
  • There is exceptional readiness to take on roles of leadership, responsibility and service resulting in a strong community that reflects the diversity of St Mary's
  • Students are extremely respectful
  • Student leadership opportunities are varied and extensive
  • Formation of the children is strong, and faith is lived and breathed. This epitomises the culture of the school
  • Student participation and conduct in liturgical celebration is exemplary
  • Enrichment opportunities are extensive

“Students clearly understand they are part of a Catholic family whose core values come from Jesus. They embrace this, value it highly and actively contribute... In essence, students find the school's ethos inspiring.”

Diocesan Report

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Summary of key findings

Overall effectiveness (The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school): 2 (GOOD)

  • Catholic life and mission (How faithfully the school responds to the call to live as a Catholic community at the service of the Church's educational mission: 1 (OUTSTANDING)
  • Religious education (The quality of curriculum religious education): 2 (GOOD)
  • Collective worship (The quality and range of liturgy and prayer provided by the school): 1 (OUTSTANDING)

What the school does well:

  • The pastoral provision is exceptional and is founded on the school's mission that is lived and permeates the whole school
  • There are extensive and varied opportunities for students to give witness to their faith through acts of collective worship and service to the most vulnerable in society
  • Chaplaincy provision is embedded and is at the heart of developing students' and staff personal and spiritual growth

What the school needs to improve:

  • To close the gap between the performance of Religious Studies and other core subjects in the school
  • To take the opportunity to adapt and improve schemes of work and resources in Religious Studies as the new 'Religious Education Directory' is finalised by the Bishops' Conference.
  • To further develop the explicit signposting of Catholic Social Teaching, already embedded in religious education and SMSC provision within the wider curriculum of the school