Ofsted: All Saints Catholic Primary School in Thirsk 'Good'

Ofsted says All Saints Catholic Primary School in Thirsk – which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) – is a place where “everybody is made to feel welcome”.

“Highly effective leaders have led the school through a period of rapid change,” their report says.

“The trust has provided training and support to improve every aspect of the school since it opened as part of the trust.

“The curriculum is ambitious and well thought through. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn well. Children in the early years get off to a strong start.”

Staff at All Saints Catholic Primary School in Thirsk (Image: ALL SAINTS)

Delighted executive headteacher Paul Conway said everyone at the school is “immensely proud” of the report.

“We are grateful to the knowledge and expertise from our trust team and governors for supporting us in our ambitions to build a faith school Thirsk can be proud of,” he said.

“We are also grateful to our loyal families for being a steadfast support to us throughout this period of change.

“Most importantly, we are proud of our staff and children for embracing our culture of love and high expectations. We are pleased our reputation is recognised locally and would continue to welcome new families of all faiths to our school family.”

Ofsted says All Saints offers lots of after-school clubs for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged.

“Pupils particularly enjoy the different sporting competitions they can take part in,” it says.

“There are also opportunities to celebrate pupils’ achievements in music, for example, by singing at a local cathedral.

“The school makes sure pupils have wider experiences beyond the curriculum. Pupils learn about the world of work when visitors come in to talk about their jobs.

“They have opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as being helpers at lunchtime, or pupil ambassadors. Pupils are very proud to take on these responsibilities. They serve as good role models for other pupils.

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“Governors and trustees know the school well. They provide excellent support and challenge to help leaders continually improve the school.”

Trust associate senior lead Amanda Hick said: “As a school family, we are extremely proud of all our children, our community and our staff.

“It has been a real team effort to achieve such a positive Ofsted outcome. It’s thanks to the dedication and support of all our stakeholders that we are where we are today.”

NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “We have taken this once failing school and turned it around.

"Today, the entire community can celebrate, but most importantly, our wonderful pupils are experiencing such a rich and nurturing learning environment with high expectations daily.

“This vision being realised is the result of a significant deployment of resources and the work of our fantastic team at All Saints, the governors and the entire NPCAT team.”