A Catholic school in a severely deprived part of Leeds is celebrating an Ofsted journey from requires improvement to outstanding in all areas.
Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School, in the Richmond Hill district of the city, had previously been deemed to be requiring improvement for three consecutive inspections from 2013, finally rising to good in 2019.
Eighty per cent of the voluntary aided school’s student population come from areas within the worst 10% in England for deprivation.
Ofsted inspectors, however, found earlier this year in March that ‘the school has very high expectations of pupils’ conduct. As a result, pupils behave impeccably in all aspects of school life’ and that attendance is consistently high and punctual with lessons ‘consistently calm and purposeful’.
The Ofsted report stated that ‘pupils are exceptionally well prepared for life beyond school...The school has high aspirations for all pupils through its ‘limitless potential’ approach. As a result, most pupils move on to positive post-16 destinations.’ During their visit, an inspector described Mount St Mary’s as ‘an oasis of hope in a desert of high deprivation.’
Dorsa, Connor, Josh and Janaiba were among the students who met with the inspectors, and all agreed with the outstanding verdict. Together they have drafted a joint statement: “No school deserves it more! Because of all the things we are doing each year in making it better, they can finally see what our school is really like - it shows how you can have a positive impact with good ideas and some hard work!”
Parents too were quick to celebrate the news. Agnieszka, whose daughter is in Year 10 said: “The moment I entered the gates I was sure that my daughter’s future, wellbeing and development were in the best hands. Teaching staff have always been amazing and during Covid my child appreciated the care and time given to her. I am truly grateful that Mount St Mary’s friendly atmosphere [sic], and giving every student the best possible future was recognised by Ofsted inspectors!”
Emmanuel’s father said: “My family and I are so proud of this wonderful institution, no wonder the Lord led us to appeal to get our son into the school, we are so glad to have made that choice!”
Mount St Mary’s traces its origins back to 1853 when the Sisters Oblates of Mary Immaculate established a night school for girls who worked in local mills during the day. This proved so popular that an additional day school was opened, and over the years education provision expanded with the mission. The present-day high school operates on the site of the Sisters’ convent building, and is supported by the Diocese of Leeds Vicariate for Education.
Headteacher Mark Cooper said: “We are delighted that the team of inspectors recognised the significant strengths of the student body, brought to fruition by a focussed and committed team of staff both teaching and non-teaching.
“We work hard for the benefit of our students and their families, believing they deserve the best footing in life, seeking to level the challenge of an inconsistent playing field, so that they can compete with those from more privileged beginnings.”
Kieron Flood, Director of Education for the Vicariate, said: “This is great news, and I congratulate the governors, school leaders, staff and of course the students at Mount St Mary’s for their role in helping transform the school. Well done!”
Find out more about the remarkable story of Mount St Mary’s and of Catholic education in the Diocese of Leeds
