Ashton school celebrates brilliant year-round success

St Damian’s RC Science College of Ashton-under-Lyne is celebrating a brilliant year in 2023.

The science college in Ashton-under-Lyne is celebrating a successful 12 months, after winning several awards, achieving excellent GCSE results, and receiving another 'outstanding' judgement by Ofsted in June.

Mr S Logue, headteacher at St Damian's, commented: “In June, we were visited by Ofsted and were delighted to be graded outstanding again. This back-to-back grade is a testament to our extremely talented staff, where teachers, support staff, and leaders work together to ensure that we are a very strong community. The report was extremely positive, stating that students ‘thrive’ at St Damian’s and feel honoured, safe, and happy to attend this school.  These indeed are great comments to read.”  

Alongside its high achievement in its GCSE results last summer, the school also bagged five separate awards in 2023. This includes achieving an incredible ‘treble’ of being recognised as ‘Secondary School of the Year’ three times at three separate awards ceremonies.

Mrs J Biggs, PA to the headteacher, said: “Our students, staff, parents and governors work seamlessly together to ensure St Damian’s is a thriving Catholic community. We also won a national ‘Overall School of the Year’ at the ‘Education Today’ Awards in London to top the year off. I have been privileged to be a part of the St Damian’s community for over 20 years and have been very proud to watch the school grow from strength to strength. The ‘St Damian’s Way’ runs through all that we do and is felt by the pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community.”

During its time of celebration, the school also remembers its ex-chair of governors, Mrs Elizabeth Jones MBE, who sadly passed away last year, stating that these achievements directly resulted from her legacy. 

Finlay Hayworth, Head Boy, said: “In a world of uncertainty, St Damian's shines as a beacon of light. The staff and pupils make St Damian's more than just a school; we are a family!”

Brooke Hilton, Head Girl, said: “St Damian’s has an amazing atmosphere, and there is always a great relationship between the pupils and staff. The school community is very caring, and everyone always works together”.

Finally, this academic year, the school expects a Section 48 inspection from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, which will only emulate the Ofsted success trend. 

“Our provision for collective worship, formation opportunities and fund-aising activities are extensive, and as a fiercely proud Catholic community, we are proud we deliver a truly holistic education for our children,” the school said.