It has been quite the week for St Aidan’s Catholic Academy in Sunderland.
Not only have they received a glowing ‘Good’ Ofsted report, in which inspectors said it would have met the criteria for ‘Outstanding’ if it had been a graded inspection, but the secondary has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI).
St Aidan’s, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was inspected by the CSI in June.
Lead inspector Mark Taylor said in his report: “All staff are outstanding role models in promoting servant leadership. The headteacher, senior leaders and the highly effective chaplaincy team support them in this with great compassion. They have worked hard to establish a culture of respect within the school, which reaches into the wider community and is valued by students.
“Inclusivity is a priority for all at St Aidan’s; the school celebrates the uniqueness of the individual. Discussions with students and staff highlight the caring and positive environment that has developed in the school, ensuring all students are held in high esteem.
“Religious education is taught by a dedicated team of outstanding practitioners. Students appreciate this; they talk with enthusiasm about their lessons and understand that the support they receive from their teachers is second to none. Consequently, this results in outstanding attainment and progress.”
The inspectors found that students of all faiths recognised that they are members of St Aidan’s family too.
Catholic Social Teaching is integral to the work students are involved in, for example, they contribute to a food bank run by the school and distribute hampers to those in need locally, as well as run weekly homeless lunches.
The report continued saying: “Students show great pride in their work and books are of the highest standard. Students are extremely invested in their lessons and are articulate, willing to question and reflect.
“All religious education teachers are, without exception, passionate about their subject and demonstrate outstanding subject knowledge and teaching skills. As a team, they work extremely well together, and this enhances a dynamic and well-planned curriculum.”
Religious education lead Louise Priest is highlighted in the report for her “clear vision for the subject” and its impact across the school.
“She works well with other middle leaders to ensure that religious education is present in all aspects of the school curriculum and her quiet dynamism is recognised by other senior leaders and her team; they understand the impact she has had on the department,” said the inspectors.
“She has overseen the development of a creative curriculum and has facilitated well-timed and appropriate training opportunities for staff that reinforces their role in preparing students both spiritually, and as citizens in a diverse society.”
Executive headteacher Glenn Sanderson said: “The outstanding rating is a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the holistic development of each child, in accordance with the values and teachings of the Catholic faith. Our unwavering focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character formation has been recognised and applauded by the inspectors.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. We are immensely proud of our students, staff, parents, and governors, who have all played a significant role in this remarkable success.”
For more information, please visit www.bccet.org.uk