St Patrick’s Catholic College in Thornaby is celebrating a positive Ofsted report that recognises the strong progress made across the school and confirms that improvements seen in recent years are continuing.

Inspectors praised the school’s calm and respectful environment, high expectations for behaviour and the strong relationships between staff and pupils.

The report also highlights the school’s inclusive ethos and the strong sense of community that runs through daily life at St Patrick’s, which is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT).

One of the first schools in the area to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework, St Patrick’s reached “expected standard” in four out of five areas, with attendance and behaviour highlighted as reaching a “strong standard”.

Ofsted found that pupils feel safe, supported and proud to be part of the school community. Attendance is above the national average and pupils have positive attitudes to learning, working hard in lessons and showing respect for their teachers and peers.

Inspectors also recognised the sustained improvements made by school leaders in recent years, particularly in strengthening behaviour systems, improving attendance and ensuring pupils achieve well.

Among the report’s findings, inspectors said:

• “St Patrick’s school motto, ‘Faith, family, future’, is at the heart of this school and lived out every day. Pupils feel a deep sense of belonging here. The school is a close community where pupils feel safe.”
• “There is a deeply respectful culture in school where pupils demonstrate very positive attitudes to learning. They work industriously in lessons and are committed to achieving well.”
• “The school is very calm and orderly. Leaders have embedded high expectations for behaviour and conduct. Pupils rise to these expectations consistently. They demonstrate excellent manners.”
• “Leaders have improved the school since the previous inspection. This is reflected notably in pupils’ behaviour, attendance and the improved rates of progress that pupils make relative to their starting points.”
• “Leaders have improved pupils’ achievement in recent years. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve well.”
• “St Patrick’s is an inclusive school where there are high expectations for all pupils. With support from the trust, leaders have developed systems to ensure that, typically, pupils’ needs are accurately identified, especially for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those known to social care.”

Headteacher Deborah Law said the report reflects the dedication of the whole school community.

“I am incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the high expectations and deeply respectful culture that define St Patrick’s Catholic College,”

Miss Law said.

“Our pupils work hard, support one another and feel a real sense of belonging here. This report reflects the dedication of our staff, the strong partnership we have with families, and our commitment to ensuring every child — including those who face additional challenges — receives the support they need to succeed and prepare confidently for their future.

“While we are proud of this recognition, we remain focused on improving even further so that every child at St Patrick’s continues to flourish.”

Executive head Michael Burns said the report recognises the sustained progress of recent years.

“This report is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Miss Law, the dedication of our staff and the outstanding character of our pupils,”

he said.

“Since joining NPCAT and under the leadership of the trust, Miss Law and I, our school has undergone a remarkable transformation. We moved from Special Measures in 2019 to achieving a Good judgement in 2021, and this latest report confirms that the school continues to build on that progress.

“This improvement reflects the strength of the partnership between the trust, school leaders, governors, staff, pupils and families, all working together to provide the very best opportunities for young people in our community.”

NPCAT interim CEO Karen Siedle said:

“I am incredibly proud of our pupils, who demonstrate such excellent manners and a genuine commitment to their learning.

“To see our leaders described as tenacious in their support for families and to have our ‘robust’ attendance systems recognised is a testament to the hard work happening behind the scenes.

“This report celebrates a school that truly understands its community, and I want to personally thank executive headteacher Mr Burns, headteacher Ms Law and all our staff, parents and students for making St Patrick’s such a special place to belong.”

Mark Dias, chair of the NPCAT board, added:

“Ofsted’s recognition of the continued progress at St Patrick’s is a testament to the school’s strong Catholic life and mission.

“The calm, respectful and inclusive culture highlighted in the report reflects our shared commitment to forming young people in faith, dignity and aspiration.

“The board are immensely proud of the leadership, staff and pupils whose dedication ensures that the Gospel values at the heart of NPCAT are lived out each day.”