St Michael’s Catholic College Continued Outstanding Ofsted Success

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that St Michael’s Catholic College has been awarded the highest possible judgement of Outstanding in all five categories in the recent Ofsted inspection which took place on the 29th and 30th April 2025. It is a remarkable achievement for the school, especially as St Michael’s has achieved the best possible outcome in an Ofsted inspection for the third consecutive time. Only a very small number of schools achieve this accolade which is testament to the hard work, commitment and shared ambition of the entire school community.

As a school we are exceptionally proud of the findings in the inspection report which highlight the highest standards and exemplary practice across every area of school life:  

Quality of Education; Behaviour and Attitudes; Personal Development; Leadership and Management and the Sixth Form.

Read the full report here

Highlights from our Ofsted report include:

The School:

• The school’s Salesian values of ‘respect, understanding, affection and humour’ are firmly embedded across the school.
• The school provides students with an excellent education which prepares them exceptionally well for their next steps.
• Enrichment opportunities bring the curriculum to life for pupils.
• There are high expectations for pupils’ behaviour, the school is purposeful and calm.
• Difference is celebrated at the school.
• The school invests significant time in exploring mental health and well-being so pupils have effective strategies to use.
• Parents and carers are highly positive about the school’s academic rigour and pastoral care.
• Leaders are reflective and ambitious for the children in their care.

Our Pupils:

• Pupils conduct themselves with great maturity and kindness.  
• Pupils are strongly committed to their learning.
• Pupils produce high quality work and articulate difficult concepts well.
• Pupils achieve high outcomes, including in the sixth form.
• Pupils develop a strong sense of responsibility and leadership skills.

Our Staff:

• Staff are proud to work at the school.
• Teachers have strong subject knowledge.
• Teachers know their pupils well and have high aspirations for them.
• Teachers give pupils ample time to apply and hone their skills.
• Staff are given strong professional development.

Felicity Corcoran, Headteacher of St Michael’s Catholic College and Interim Director of Secondary Education at St Benedict Catholic Academy Trust said:

‘It is very significant and especially important to us that the school’s Salesian ethos and values of ‘respect, understanding, affection and humour’ have been highlighted as being firmly embedded across the school. The outstanding judgements in all categories affirm and validate the real and lasting difference this ethos and ambition makes to the lives of our students and how this ensures they are brought to the fullness of life through the highest quality Catholic education and pastoral care.  

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our students, staff and governors for their consistent dedication, positive attitudes and service to St Michael’s Catholic College and also to our parents, carers and the leaders and trustees of St Benedict Catholic Academy Trust for their ongoing support and commitment to working in partnership with us to secure the best possible outcomes for our students. We all share in this success and are committed to St Michael’s continuing to be a beacon of excellence for students now and in the future.’

Jonathan Ronan, CEO of St Benedict Catholic Academy Trust said:

‘We are immensely proud of St Michael’s Catholic College for achieving ‘Outstanding’ across all areas in their recent Ofsted inspection. This exceptional outcome is a testament to the dedication of the entire school community – the hardworking pupils, the highly skilled and committed staff and governors, and the supportive parents and carers.

We especially congratulate the inspirational leadership team for their reflective and ambitious leadership which has led to this outstanding achievement. St Michael’s Catholic College continues to be a beacon of excellence, providing an outstanding education that aligns perfectly with the values and high standards of the St Benedict Catholic Academy Trust’ 

St Michael’s Catholic College June 2025