ISI Report 2025
In September 2023, a new inspection framework was introduced which changed the nature of both the inspection itself and the report subsequently published. Instead of areas of the school being graded ('excellent' etc), the standards are either 'met' or 'not met'. I am very pleased to confirm that St Mary's met all the standards required, demonstrating full compliance. We are proud that so many areas of the school have been singled out for praise which reflects the quality of the education we provide across the board.
In order to reach their judgements, the 7-strong inspection team interviewed over ¼ of the student body, held meetings with 90 staff attendees (some staff had multiple meetings owing to various areas of responsibility), observed 25 registration and assembly slots, and visited around 100 lessons.
We are thrilled to share some of the report's key findings:
"Leaders have a clear vision for school development based on effective monitoring and self-evaluation."
"From early years and upwards, pupils show high levels of respect and tolerance. Consequently, behaviour is good and bullying is rare."
"Boarding provision is carefully led and managed by knowledgeable and experienced staff. Conscientious supervision and a rigorous approach to safety ensure that boarders feel safe."
"Teachers have a high level of knowledge and enthusiasm for their subjects."
"Pupils feel safe and respected, with trusted staff always available."
Read the full report
Diocesan inspection report 2022
Our Diocesan Inspection report undertaken by the East Anglia Diocesan Schools’ Service achieved the highest ‘Grade 1’ rating of Outstanding in all three areas assessed by inspectors in June 2022: Catholic Life, Religious Education and Collective Worship.
Inspectors praised St Mary’s as: ‘a school where everyone is respected and valued for who they are’, with the quality of leadership described as ‘extremely strong; it is both enterprising and aspirational.’
Inspectors reported ‘it is evident that the core Gospel values lie at the heart of life in school, clearly witnessed by the positive and caring relationships that exist between all groups.’
Read the full report
Past reports
ISI Report 2022
A full ISI report in 2022 concluded that:
The quality of the pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent, and that the quality of the pupils' personal development is excellent.
ISI Compliance Report 2018
A shorter ISI compliance report in 2018 concluded that:
'St Mary's School, meets all required standards across both schools and in the boarding provision.'
ISI Inspection Report 2014
In 2014, our ISI inspection report found that:
'Pupils of all ages are highly articulate, apply their understanding readily to new situations, show exceptional creative skills and contribuite to classroom discussion. Their attitudes to learning are exemplary. The highest quality of their learning is supported by excellent curricular arrangments, outstanding additional support for pupils who need it, and by excellent teaching.'
Denominational Inspection 2014
In 2014, the Diocesan inspecting body reported:
'The pupils’ personal, spiritual and moral development is outstanding and this is reflected in their good behaviour, excellent relationships and positive attitudes.'
ISI Junior School Final Report May 2010
In 2010, the ISI Inspection Report determined that:
'The standards pupils achieve are good in relation to their ages and abilities. Their achievement in English, mathematics and music
are particularly notable..'
ISI Senior School Final Report May 2010
In 2010, the ISI Inspection Report found that:
'An excellent curriculum provides highly effectively for the pupils’ needs.'
Diocesan School Final Report May 2010
In 2010, the Diocesan Report concluded that:
'The Religious Education curriculum actively promotes knowledge and respect for all faiths, mutual understanding and integrity, enabling students to explore and develop their own and others’ beliefs and values. The school is very involved in serving the common good and looking beyond themselves to the needs of others.'