Outstanding Ofsted Report for All Saints Catholic School, York

School leaders have welcomed a new Ofsted report rating the historic All Saints Catholic School, York, as “Outstanding” and saying that “pupils are immensely proud to attend”.

Inspectors highlighted the caring nature of the school where “everyone is accepted for who they are”.

Pupils at All Saints Shine with Pride and Compassion

They went on to describe a school environment where: “Pupils care deeply for others. They exude tolerance, respect and compassion in all that they do. The school’s values of faith, love and unity underpin every aspect of school life. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, thrive at All Saints Catholic School.”

All Saints, York, pupils in York Minster – Photo by David Harrison

Headteacher Celebrates Students’ Achievements and Values

Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley said she was delighted the inspectors were able to see the “real All Saints”.

“Our young people are our greatest ambassadors, and they are why we, the staff, love working here,” she said.

“The comments made about the meticulously planned curriculum, unstintingly high expectations of achievement and extraordinary personal development, to name but a few of the areas that were highlighted in our report, are fantastic.

“But it is how the inspectors talked about our young people that really makes me so extremely proud. They were described as having incredibly mature attitudes to learning and a strong moral compass. These are the young people who will make a real difference to our society in the future, and it is a real privilege to work with them.”

The school’s sixth form was highly praised, with students described as learning “with fervour”.
Mrs Keelan-Beardsley added: “This is something I experience every day. For example, only last week, our sixth form organised and delivered a whole school afternoon of activities to celebrate our school feast day.

“I have been in education for 30 years and I have not been in another school where young people take on this level of responsibility and show such independence.”

NPCAT CEO Highlights Commitment to Excellence

CEO Hugh Hegarty

Hugh Hegarty, chief executive officer of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), which All Saints joined in May 2023, said the trust is delighted with the report.

“Congratulations to all staff, whose hard work, commitment and passion have made this success possible,” he said. “Together, we continue to set a high standard for excellence.
“The work to ensure a culture of vigilance and effective safeguarding will continue to provide everyone with a deep level of confidence as we continue to acknowledge the range of challenges faced in our ever-changing society.”

All Saints chair of governors Stephanie Garthwaite

Chair of Governors Reflects on Governance and Future Vision

Chair of governors Stephanie Garthwaite added: “We are incredibly proud of All Saints and the Outstanding judgement awarded by Ofsted is a testament to the dedication, talent and commitment of our staff, students and community.

“Ofsted has acknowledged that until very recently the trust and members of the local governing body did not work together as productively as they could. The implementation of the new interim advisory board (IAB) has provided a breadth of experience and expertise to the local governing body, enhancing its effectiveness.

“This recognition highlights the hard work and shared vision that make All Saints an exceptional place for learning, growth and opportunity.

“As chair of governors, I am thrilled to see our commitment to excellence affirmed and look forward to continuing our partnership with staff, students and families to maintain the high standards and inspiring environment at All Saints.”

Ofsted says pupils develop independence and an understanding of responsibility through leadership roles and have helped redesign the outside landscape and a new dining area and organise a world cultures day and coffee morning for local charities.

Extracurricular Success and SEND Support at All Saints

Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is warmly praised: “Pupils, especially those who are disadvantaged, achieve highly across the curriculum.”

All Saints, York, pupils in York Minster – Photo by David Harrison

Meticulously Designed Curriculum Backed by Educational Research

The 11-strong team of inspectors say extracurricular activities including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, debate club, orchestra and escape room club also help build pupils’ character.

“The school provides a highly ambitious curriculum that prepares pupils incredibly well for their next steps in education, training or employment,” the report says.

“The curriculum is meticulously designed and steeped in educational research. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They deliver the curriculum with flair and considerable expertise.”

Strengthened Partnership Between School and NPCAT

Ofsted says the relationship between the school and the trust has “considerably strengthened” and they share “an unambiguous vision for the high-quality education that they offer pupils”, with improvement priorities more clearly defined.

“The school and the trust should continue to work in close partnership to ensure that those responsible for leadership and governance fully understand their roles and responsibilities,” the report adds.

All Saints was named the top non-selective school in the north in the 2023 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide
The school has 1,421 pupils aged from 11 to 18 and operates on two sites, on Seacroft Road and Nunnery Lane.

Another rising soccer star has rolled off the flourishing production line at Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School in Redcar.
Talented midfielder Joey T follows in the footsteps of former Sacred Heart pupils and current Middlesbrough FC first teamers Hayden Hackney and George McCormick after being handed a full-time scholarship a year ahead of his peers.
Hayden, 22, has become a fixture in the Boro midfield and has also represented England U21s, while left-back George, 19, impressed during a series of friendly appearances in the summer and made his full debut in this season’s Carabao Cup. 
Now Year 11 pupil Joey, who is also head boy and captain of the school’s successful football team, will join Boro’s famous Academy after sitting his GCSEs next summer.
Joey has been on Boro’s books since his days at St Joseph’s Primary School in Loftus and Sacred Heart head of PE Paul Freary says he is the perfect role model.
“Joey not only leads by example on the football pitch but also around the school and is someone many of the younger pupils look up to,” Mr Freary said.

Sacred Heart Secondary School head boy Joey T has been snapped up by the famous MFC Academy

Despite being only 15, Joey was shortlisted for England Schoolboys Under-17 squad for three UEFA U17 Euro qualifiers in Malta last month.
Headteacher Louise Dwyer said: “I am thrilled to have such a legacy of sporting talent here at Sacred Heart. Both Hayden and George have visited school recently and shared their success with our pupils.
“We are delighted that Joey is following in the footsteps of Hayden and George. Joey as head boy demonstrates his leadership skills on and off the pitch and is a true role model.” 
Joey recently led Sacred Heart’s school team to their first ever T6 Schools’ Super Cup with a nail-biting final victory at Trinity Catholic College, Middlesbrough.
Five NPCAT secondary schools took part in a group format across the day, with the top two sides qualifying for the final.
After a 3-0 win against St Patrick’s Catholic College, Thornaby (goals from Joey, Sonny B and Reece C) and a 2-1 win over hosts Trinity (Joey and Austin H), Sacred Heart were beaten 2-0 by St Francis Xavier School, Richmond.
This defeat only served to spur the lads on for game three, a 3-0 victory over St Peter’s Catholic College, South Bank (Joey, Reece C (two)).
As group winners, Sacred Heart then faced a rematch against St Patrick’s in the final, who had been unbeaten after that first game reverse.
“A much more confident St Patrick’s played with passion and commitment and had some good chances before Joey scored a free kick from fully 35 yards to put Sacred Heart 1-0 up with three minutes to go,” said Mr Freary.
“However, the drama wasn’t finished there, and St Patrick’s levelled with the last kick of the game after a goalmouth scramble, to take the contest to penalties.”
Goalkeeper Angus T was the hero of the hour in the shootout that followed, saving two spot kicks to make Sacred Heart just the second winners of the T6 Super Cup.
Dave McTeirnan, head of NPCAT’s Football and Sporting Academy, said: “Sacred Heart worked tirelessly throughout the full day with the whole squad having a great togetherness, which showed in the final game.
“Our T6 Football Academy staff were very impressed with the talent on show and the sportsmanship from all the players and staff involved. Well done!”

Sacred Heart are hoping to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet after a 4-3 win over Macmillan Academy School in the Cleveland Schools County Cup, with Joey again on the scoresheet along with Austin H (two) and Sonny B.
They will travel to face Manor School, Hartlepool, in the quarter-final.

Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School’s triumphant football team

Trinity Catholic College has been named in the top ten in the country for the most improved attendance over the last year.

Attendance has gone up by just over four per cent, which is evidence of huge progress in statistical terms.

The news is the latest in a series of positive milestones since the appointment of headteacher Andy Rodgers and three new deputy headteachers just under two years ago.

Trinity was given a “requires improvement” rating by Ofsted in May 2022 but in a letter that followed a monitoring visit in September 2023, inspectors said the new leadership was taking effective action to move the school towards it being rated “good”.

Welcoming the news, which was collated by school-improvement specialist The Excellence Hub, Mr Rodgers said: “It’s all been around developing a strong, positive Catholic culture and creating a safe, calm and nurturing environment.

“Both the school and trust staff have also worked tirelessly to engage with families at home and to overcome any barriers to attendance.


“Suspensions have also reduced significantly over the past two years and last year they more than halved from the previous year, which reflects the school being a calm and orderly place.

“Trinity now is like night and day from how it was two years ago. It’s a happy, calm and pleasant environment for pupils, with high-quality lessons taking place.”

Mr Rodgers said creating a “rewards culture” rather than punitive sanctions has been a key element of the successful strategy.

“We have clear policies in place around behaviour and high expectations of pupils to follow those rules and staff to enforce them,” he said.

“But at the same time we’ve had a real push on rewards to help create a positive feeling around the building and a praise culture as opposed to a negative culture that’s focused on sanctions. 


“We give reward points and certificates every day to pupils displaying our school values, which are linked to Gospel values such as resilience and courage.

“We have our Superstar Showcase on Friday lunchtimes, when pupils bring work they’re proud of to show senior staff what they’ve been doing, and they’ll get instant rewards and can go straight to the front of the queue for their fish and chips.


“Then there are bigger rewards such as our In It To Win It, which we run once a term. Pupils get tickets every week for good behaviour and attendance and working hard in their lessons.

“Pupils put their tickets in for the prize they want to win and we drew it out on the last day of term. In the summer we had a bike, some wireless headphones and a £100 shopping voucher.

“We also have a lot of trips and in the summer we had inflatables in the sports hall and an ice-cream van. Pupils with good attendance and behaviour can participate in these events. So we try to reward pupils who are getting it right every single day.” 


Another important strand of Mr Rodgers’ strategy has been ensuring pupils wear the correct uniform.

“We check the uniform on the gate every day and we look after pupils if they need something, such as new shoes,” he said.

“We always look to support families and make sure everything’s affordable and we help in every way we can, but we do insist upon them wearing the correct uniform and again that sets the high standards we expect from the start of the day.

“If you’re proud of the way you look, you’re proud of the school and you’re a member of the community.”

But Mr Rodgers says the attendance figures have given him more satisfaction than anything else since he took over the reins.


“If children aren’t in school, they can’t learn, and a four per cent improvement in attendance is massive,” he said.

“But that improvement has to continue. We’re the eighth most improved in the country, but that doesn’t mean we’re where we want to be yet.”


Trinity Catholic College headteacher Andy Rodgers – Photo by Stuart Boulton.

Mr Rodgers has spent his career helping turn around schools in what are considered “tough” areas.

NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “I’d like to congratulate the leaders and staff at Trinity and the NPCAT Attendance Team for the remarkable impact their efforts are having on improving attendance across our schools.

“This success clearly reflects NPCAT’s strategic investment and vision as a system-leading multi-academy trust, where a unified approach and dedicated support are driving positive change.

“This work is a testament to the power of collaboration, targeted initiatives and the commitment to ensuring every student can thrive. Well done to everyone involved for making such a meaningful difference.”

In his most recent previous role, Mr Rodgers guided Unity City Academy in Middlesbrough from being rated “inadequate” by Ofsted to “good”.

Two of NPCAT’s six secondary schools, St Francis Xavier in Richmond and All Saints Catholic School in York, are rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Three others – St Patrick’s Catholic College in Thornaby, Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary in Redcar and St Peter’s, South Bank – were upgraded to “good” after their most recent inspections.

Pupils from Year 7 Bosco form at All Saints School in York took part in the annual St Michael’s Day Procession at the Bar Convent, a tradition that has spanned more than 300 years.
In around 1696 an attempt was made by a mob to destroy the Bar Convent and therefore most of the children were sent away for safety.
The relics were hidden while the community waited for whatever might happen that night. Reverend Mother Bedingfield took the picture of St Michael that hung above the convent door and placed the convent under his protection.
Those in the house opposite described how they saw a tall person on a white horse brandishing a sword above the convent. The mob had retreated back down Micklegate, leaving the convent and its occupants unharmed.
In keeping with tradition, the youngest pupil in Year 7 along, with a number of other Year 7 pupils, attended the procession, which began in the Bar Convent hall with the retelling of the story.
As we sang the first hymn, Kobe C, the school’s youngest pupil, upheld tradition by leading the procession while carrying the picture of St Michael to the chapel.
Francesca E-C and Santiago B-B carried candles behind him. The rest of the pupils followed the procession to the chapel, where they sang and led the prayers of intercession.
It is wonderful that the school is able to continue to support its links to the Bar Convent by taking part in this great tradition.

Rebecca Kramm

The new acting head of a York school where high-quality learning begins right from the start of pupils’ educational journey has welcomed a highly positive Ofsted report.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Primary School, which serves the Holgate and Acomb communities, was rated good overall with outstanding behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
Sophie Adams, who was appointed acting head after three years as deputy head, said the whole school community is delighted with the report.
Management, staff and pupils at the school, which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), all came in for praise from the inspectors.
“This school is at the heart of the local community,” the report says. “It is a place where pupils thrive. Parents talk about their children flourishing in this nurturing environment. Pupils and parents are proud to be part of this school family.”
Inspectors observed a “sense of calm which resonates throughout the school” and said pupils work with “sustained focus”.
“Pupils are considerate and rise to meet the high expectations set by the school,” it adds. “All pupils have access to a wide range of rich experiences. These include educational visits that the school maps out across the year groups.”
Early years’ provision was recognised as an “engaging environment” where children grow in independence.
The report says learning to read is a priority and starts at the beginning of reception, with the school’s youngest pupils learning to read words before moving on to develop fluency and comprehension.
“Carefully chosen books are an essential part of the school’s curriculum. Teachers explain how pupils enjoy being left on a ‘cliffhanger’ when sharing stories for pleasure.” Commenting on the school’s “ambitious” curriculum, inspectors say: “It is designed to support the school mission, ‘Living, Loving, Learning – Christ at the centre’.
“It goes beyond academic knowledge and incorporates pupils’ excellent personal development.”
The school offers a wide range of rich experiences, including educational visits and pupils take on positions of responsibility such as being class monitors, school councillors and worship buddies during Mass.
“Year 5 pupils are part of the Mini Vinnies. They work within the local community, for example, reaching out to the housebound. These opportunities build pupils’ character.
“Senior leaders, the diocese and those responsible for governance know the school well. They provide appropriate support and challenge.”

Mrs Adams said the report comes at an exciting time for the school as they work hard to build on the firm foundations laid down by previous head Emma Barr, who was in charge at the time of the inspection.
She said: “The report reflects what makes Our Lady Queen of Martyrs such a special school and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, the wonderful children who come here, our supportive families and governors and the community as a whole.
“At Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, we prioritise not only academic achievement but also the holistic development of each child.
“We work every day to create the best possible educational experience for our pupils and we will continue to build on this success and give them everything they need to have a happy and successful future.”

NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “This report profiles the significant impact the school provision has on our wonderful pupils. Staff work tirelessly to ensure all children are afforded a rich, nurturing education in such a rich, loving environment.
“I appreciate the journey the school has been on over recent years and want to thank all those staff, leaders and governors who work in support of the school and also the wider Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, which continues to have such a positive impact on all our primary schools.
“We will continue working collectively and collaboratively in the interests of every pupil having a safe and secure environment within a culture of vigilance.”
The school opened in January 2012, bringing together the former schools of English Martyrs Catholic Primary and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary.
Parents interested in securing a nursery or reception place at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs can call 01904 806093 or visit olqm.npcat.org.uk.

Pupils came to school dressed in yellow and white and enjoyed an ice cream treat to help celebrate the opening of a brand new school nursery in York.
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Monkgate, York, held a “Come and See” celebration day, opening its doors to current and prospective parents and members of the local community.
The visitors enjoyed guided tours of the nursery and the school, which dates back to Victorian times but has undergone substantial improvements in recent years.
St Wilfrid’s originally opened in 1875 and is also organising some exciting ways to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.
The special day also included raffles and a celebratory lunchtime menu, goodie bags and a spectacular balloon arch in the school colours.

The new nursery at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary in York

Headteacher Helen Keith, who was once a pupil at St Wilfrid’s, said opening the 23-place nursery is an important milestone and historic moment for the school.
“I wanted the whole school community to be involved because our nursery children all belong to the St Wilfrid’s family now,” she said.
“We had an excellent response to our invitation, with current parents and grandparents and mums and dads of pre-school-age children all coming to have a look around.”

Learning and having fun in the new nursery

Staff also joined in the spirit of the occasion by dressing in yellow and white and the ribbon was cut by the two youngest nursery children and the two oldest pupils in  Year 6.
“The children are always at the centre of our school and it only seemed right that they should officially open our new nursery,” said Miss Keith.
“All our children are excellent ambassadors for our school and feel very proud to come to St Wilfrid’s.
“It was a really wonderful day for everyone and reminded us all of why this is such a special community.”

NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “St Wilfrid’s has a rich history and this latest chapter builds on the generations of contributions by staff, governors and parishioners in York.
“The significant investment in resourcing and staffing and this excellent provision signals the strength of Catholic education in York.
“It is also further of the positive impact Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust continues to have on the learning environments of our schools.”
St Wilfrid’s, which is rated good in all areas by Ofsted, already taught children aged four-to-11 but now has provision for three-year-olds.
A limited number of places at the new nursery are available now. Contact the school office on 01904 659726 for more information or to book a guided tour.

We’re stronger together – that was the message from the children, staff and families of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough on the day artist Mackenzie Thorpe returned to his hometown.
Since May, Middlesbrough-born Mackenzie has been working with the children on their Stronger Together project to create Teesside-inspired artworks for their outdoor play area.
The 14 images include two donated by Mackenzie, one inside the school railings – “The Boro”, depicting elements of central Middlesbrough – and one outside, facing the world, titled “Stronger Together”.

Created especially for the school, it shows a group of children in red and white football kits and Mackenzie’s trademark hearts and Teesside bridges.
On the long-awaited unveiling day, families were invited to enjoy a buffet of food representing the many cultures pupils come from.
The art had all been under wraps since children returned to school but was revealed to gasps of delight from the children, parents and invited guests.
Mackenzie became emotional, telling the children and guests: “You can see through their artwork that the children are so proud of Middlesbrough.
“When this school was built, you also built a community. I’m almost crying because I can just feel the atmosphere, and all the hard work you’ve done. Your artwork comes from this community, which is the strongest thing we have in this town.
“You can’t put a person down because if you do, we’ll stand up together and be counted. And we’ll do it as neighbours.
“One more thing I’d like to say is just work hard every day and you’ll achieve all your dreams, just like I did.”

Mackenzie said as soon as he was contacted by Sacred Heart he was determined to do whatever he could to be involved.
“When the phone rings and it’s New York, I say we’ll talk to them. But when it’s Middlesbrough it’s right, I’m interested!”
He told the children he was born nearby in St Paul’s Road before moving to Beechwood and he attended St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
“I left Middlesbrough to go to London as a student in 1979, but Middlesbrough has never left me. Even my accent is the same and I won’t change at all.
“It’s still my inspiration and it comes to me every day and every night. I can’t stop drawing it. It’s part of my DNA.
“I’m so proud to come from here. People ask me why I became an artist and I stand in the middle of Tokyo or New York talking about the Transporter Bridge.”
The children’s artwork has titles including I Love My Friends, The Gates of Glory, Love of the Hills and A Fun Day at Home.

After unveiling one picture, November on Newport Bridge, by 10-year-old Harrison, Mackenzie said: “See how it reflects love. That’s what we do here. If you have love, it will grow and it will always bring you sunshine and you’ll stay together and be friends forever.”
Afterwards, Harrison said he was excited but nervous to meet Mackenzie. Asked about his picture, he said: “Bridges join communities all over the world and we’ve got some good ones in Middlesbrough. I like to see them lit up at night.”
Deputy headteacher Kerry Mallam  said Mackenzie’s infectious passion for Middlesbrough made him the perfect person to be involved in the project.
“We thought he might choose the children’s artwork, but we didn’t think in our wildest dreams he would do this,” she said. “We said thank you so much for being here and he said thank you so much for inviting me!
“This celebration feels even more important given the recent events within our area and as we seek to rebuild relationships within the community.
“We’d already chosen the Stronger Together title before the summer, but now it couldn’t be more fitting. This is what we tell our children throughout their school life, that regardless of beliefs, race, religion, where you live, where you come from, we are stronger when we are together.”

Headteacher Vicky White said: “Mackenzie created a series of videos to inspire the children to create their own artwork reflecting what makes them proud about their town.
“He also talked about techniques and how to include themselves in their pictures. The pupils then created their own pictures and Mackenzie chose 12 to be included in the panelling around our play area.”
Miss White said the children’s pride in their area shines through in their artwork.
“This celebration is just the start for us because we want to build on this theme of being stronger together throughout this academic year and beyond,” she said.
“We want to make sure everybody can see that at Sacred Heart we are stronger together, Middlesbrough is stronger when we all come together and that we will overcome the issues there have been recently.”

Mrs Mallam added: “Mackenzie is proud of coming from Middlesbrough, and that’s what we want to instil in our children. He’s had struggles to overcome, but he’s become successful around the world. The sky’s the limit for our children, and they couldn’t have a better role model to show them the way.”
Sacred Heart is one of 38 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the City of York, that make up Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).
CEO Hugh Hegarty said all the trust’s schools are committed to ensuring bias, racism and sectarianism have no place in our society.
“The damage caused by misinformation is so severe,” he said. “We will continue to ensure that the flames of prejudice are never fanned by misinformation, as profiled this summer across our nation.
“I must congratulate to Miss White and all the staff, volunteers and governors who have
worked with the NPCAT Estates team to bring this about and most of all to the whole school community of pupils at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary.”
Sue Sedgwick attended the event to represent Umbrella Hugs CIC, who helped Stronger Together as part of a National Lottery-funded project to uplift people, increase their wellbeing and instil a sense of place. 
“It’s been fabulous because the children have such a sense of pride in the area and Mackenzie’s story inspires them so much,” she said.
Sacred Heart, which is on Ayresome Street, was rated good in all areas in a recent Ofsted report.

Congratulations to the pupils at All Saints Catholic School in York on their incredible GCSE results. The staff are very proud of what you have achieved.
Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley describes their GCSE outcomes as “phenomenal”, with pupils who have a variety of educational backgrounds performing at the highest level.
“There were many superb results in all areas and outcomes in every one of the core subjects, including English, Maths, Science and RE, were excellent,” said Mrs Keelan-Beardsley. “Pupils also excelled in French, Media and many other areas.
“Individually, there were numerous outstanding results, with pupils achieving top grades in all their subjects. Many pupils also made significant progress across their suite of GCSEs.
“Four pupils achieved an average progress score of more than three grades above what they would be predicted to achieve nationally in all their subjects.
“We are very proud of all our young people, and this year we are especially delighted that our pupils who under government measures are classed as disadvantaged have achieved particularly well.
“In fact, this group has made significantly more progress than their non disadvantaged pupils nationally.
“This shows that hard work, combined with excellent teaching and a caring and aspirational environment, really do make the difference.
“Our mission statement is that we are ambitious to educate the whole person to thrive personally, academically and spiritually. We believe that by delivering on these aspirations, our young people are well placed to face the future with confidence.
“We have a record number of applicants to our successful sixth form this year and we look forward to welcoming back many of the young people who have performed so well while at All Saints.
“On behalf of all the staff and governors at All Saints, I would like to thank our families for how they have worked with the school to help the pupils achieve these fantastic outcomes.”