St Margaret's Catholic Voluntary Academy in Gamesley continues to be a 'Good' school, according to Ofsted. 

Inspectors said that pupils love their small and caring community at the Glossop Road school. 

They said: “They say that everyone knows each other well and that they look out for each other. Parents and carers unanimously appreciate the support the children receive. One parent’s comment was typical of many: ‘There is a lovely family feel to the school’.” 

Leaders are ambitious that pupils will develop the qualities they need in order to be ready for life in modern Britain, the report said. 

“Leaders identify these characteristics as: respect, empathy, self-awareness, positivity, excellence, communication and teamwork. Pupils work hard to show these in their work and play. They are keen to earn their ‘respect’ badge.” 

This is the first ungraded inspection at St Margaret’s since 2016, when the school was judged to be ‘Good’. 

The report said leaders have set high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. 

“Pupils know how important it is to work hard. They show respect for each other and their teachers. In lessons, they listen carefully and do their best. The school is a happy and positive place for pupils to learn and staff to work,” inspectors said. 

The curriculum was described as “well sequenced” and it sets out what pupils should learn. 

“Teachers assess what pupils know and remember against the important knowledge identified in curriculum plans. They use this information to address misconceptions and gaps in pupils’ knowledge before moving on to new learning,” inspectors said. 

Leaders were said to prioritise reading and it was noted that pupils talk with enthusiasm about the books they love. 

“Pupils have many opportunities to read in school and are encouraged to read at home. Teachers and teaching assistants are experts in the teaching of reading. Pupils learn phonics well.” 

Arrangements for safeguarding at the school, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, were described as effective. 

Inspectors said: “All staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, receive regular safeguarding training. Everyone takes their safeguarding responsibilities seriously. They know what to look out for and how to record their concerns about pupils. Leaders act without delay when staff raise concerns.” 

Grainne Beaumont, Headteacher at St Margaret’s, said: “I am thrilled for the staff who work so hard and for the children who are all superstars. 

“The two inspectors were very impressed with the children in school. They spoke about the children being positive advocates for the school. This showed itself in the way the children behaved and 

worked on the day and emphasised how much the children wanted to impress the inspectors. It also showed how much pride they have for their school and teachers. Teachers were extremely proud of all the children.” 

Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St Margaret’s. It was lovely to read all of the positive comments from Ofsted inspectors, which are a wonderful reflection of such a caring school where staff and governors are focused on providing children with the very best education and care.”

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