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.