Inspectors have described a school as a “beacon of hope for so many in the community” in a glowing report written on behalf of Bishop Terry.
The Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) rated St Peter’s Catholic College in South Bank as outstanding for Catholic life and mission and good for both Religious Education and collective worship.
The report said: “There is a true family feel within the school community. Leaders are inspirational role models for staff, students and families, having created a genuine, authentic vision for Catholic education.
“Catholic life and mission is the beating heart of the school, which has led to substantive, transformative change across all aspects of school life.
“There is strong evidence of a highly effective collaboration and supportive relationship with the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), which has led to a positive impact upon the culture of St Peter’s.
“Students are proud to attend St Peter’s; they feel valued, loved and unique; they know they matter.”
The report follows an Ofsted inspection in November 2022 in which St Peter’s was judged to be good in every category.
Headteacher Stephanie Garthwaite was delighted with this latest validation.
“I am incredibly proud of all of our wonderful pupils and staff and the journey they have been on over the last four years,” she said.
“It was inspiring to see our tenacity, drive and commitment to Catholic education was finally recognised as our pupils and staff shone throughout the two days.
“The three inspectors were able to live and breathe the mission statement of St Peter’s, as we all do every day, and they were blown away by their interactions with pupils.”
In a joint letter to parents and carers, Mrs Garthwaite and executive head Michael Burns spoke of being “filled with pride”.
They said: “At St Peter’s, we take pride and work hard to create a family atmosphere in school, where all children are known and loved by God. Catholic inspectors acknowledged the strong commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.
“We feel proud of the work from all our staff, leaders and governors. Equally, the work of the trust is vital to our school community, working as one family.
“The school can only be recognised for these achievements through the support and dedication of parents, carers, pupils and the wider community.
“We would like to thank you all for ensuring your children live out our school mission and contribute fully to the Catholic life of our school.”
St Peter’s, which celebrated its 80th birthday in 2022, has benefitted from a major investment programme, including new sport and arts facilities, an external facelift and a Virtual Reality suite, which inspectors mentioned in their report.
They also praise the school’s contribution to the CAUSE Christmas hamper campaign and participation in the Flame Catholic youth event, the visit of St Bernadette’s relics and a growing involvement in the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.
“Students are exceptionally proud to attend St Peter’s,” the inspectors said. “They feel a part of the school’s long, rich history and have the desire to be a part of the school’s future.”
