Ofsted Report

‘High standards alongside Catholic faith values’ sums up leaders’ ambitions for pupils.’

I am delighted to inform you that the final Ofsted inspection report from our 1-day Section 8 inspection on 17th January 2023 accompanies this covering letter. The report will also be accessible via the school website today and published on the official Ofsted report website this week. The purpose of a Section 8 inspection is to gauge whether our school continues to be ‘good’ as indicated in our previous report in February 2018.

It gives me great pleasure to share that His Majesty’s Inspector and team member believed that the school could still be judged, and continues to be, a ‘good’ school. A benchmark that is high under the current Ofsted framework.

I am pleased that the hard work undertaken by the St Charles staff and Trust community has been recognised, including our strong culture for safeguarding so that children feel happy and safe at St Charles, our work on making sure children know how to stay safe online and the positive outcomes from our STAR behaviour system. Obviously as Reading Leader at St Charles, I am extremely proud of the outcomes and comments made on Early Reading, ‘Leaders have established a ‘buzz’ in the school’s reading culture.’

What is satisfying is that the next steps identified were already within our development plan prior to this inspection, therefore I look forward to the opportunity to develop these areas for improvement as Head Teacher at St Charles.

Please take the time to read the inspection report in full as it evidences that St Charles is a good school and a ‘good place to be’, but a school that will continue to strive for only the best for the pupils at our school.

Kind Regards

Mrs F Knight

Head Teacher

To read the full report please click on the link below:

Ofsted report January 2023

Catholic Schools Inspectorate Report

St Charles’ Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy has been judged Outstanding in its most recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection (December 2025). Inspectors praised the school as a welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled community where pupils are happy, calm and proud of their school. Catholic life and mission are at the heart of daily practice, with pupils living out the school motto, “Let all that you do be done in love.” Behaviour is exemplary, relationships are strong, and pupils actively contribute to the life of the school through chaplaincy, charitable work and Catholic social teaching, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to live their faith in the wider world.

Leadership and staff were commended for their commitment, ambition and nurturing ethos. Inspectors highlighted the high quality of religious education, noting that pupils are increasingly articulate, religiously literate and enthusiastic learners. Prayer and collective worship were described as a significant strength, with pupils at the heart of liturgical preparation, participating joyfully and reverently in daily prayer and worship. Strong links with the parish, excellent support from lay chaplains and a shared vision among leaders, governors and staff ensure that St Charles’ continues to provide an outstanding Catholic education where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to grow.

Read our Catholic Schools Inspectorate Report here