St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.

The school underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in January 2025.

The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.

Inspectors said: “Pupils enjoy coming to St Mary’s school and appreciate all that it has to offer. They are happy, confident and secure, relishing their environment close to nature, fully embracing the Catholic identity and mission of the school.”

The report said that Executive Headteacher Amanda Greaves had driven her vision for St Mary’s to outstanding outcomes, with an unremitting focus, through a difficult period in the school’s history.

“She (Mrs Greaves) has been fully supported by the commitment of the leadership team, staff and governors,” inspectors said.

St Mary’s original building, on Broadway, burnt down in October 2020 and pupils and staff were based at St James’ House, on Mansfield Road, Derby, from April 2021. They moved back to a new biophilic school – the UK’s first – on Broadway in December 2023.

Pupils’ behaviour was described as excellent and relationships between them “very good.”

Leaders ensure it (the curriculum) meets the needs of different groups of pupils, conscious of the diversity that exists. [Pupils] work with independence and sustained concentration, collaborating easily and productively with one another. They produce high quality work, that is well presented. They show an innate curiosity in their studies, and are actively engaged in their work.’

“They actively participate in the Catholic life of the school: they display understanding of their sense of worth, valued as made in the image and likeness of God. Pupils have an easy acceptance of each other,” the report said.

Understanding of the school’s mission statement was praised and the impact it has on the school community was highlighted.

Inspectors said: “The school mission statement, the mission prayer and the SPIRIT expectations have a significant impact within the school community: they are deeply rooted in the Word of God, and give clear expression to how the school must live out its daily activities. Staff commitment to the mission is absolute, and their enthusiasm and commitment to the Catholic mission is plain to see.”

The school’s welcoming culture was noted by inspectors who said: “A culture of welcome has been firmly established, embracing whoever comes to the school. The excellent behaviour of pupils is a result of the impact of the consistent modelling of staff members, significantly influencing relationships across the school. The pastoral care of pupils shows a concerted commitment to serve the most vulnerable, and this is outstanding.”

Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher, said: “I am delighted to share our pride in achieving an Outstanding grade from the Catholic Schools’ Inspectorate. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our staff, leadership team, and governors, all of whom have worked tirelessly to ensure our school provides the very best education and nurturing environment for our pupils.

“The report highlights our pupils’ happiness, confidence, and strong sense of belonging within the school community. It is especially rewarding to see our shared Catholic values and mission being embraced so fully by everyone at St Mary’s. As we continue to build on the incredible progress made in recent years, I am incredibly proud of what our school has achieved through strong partnerships with parents, the parish, trust diocese and the wider community.

“Our focus on providing a curriculum that is inclusive and meets the needs of all pupils, alongside the strong pastoral care we offer, underpins everything we do at St Mary’s. We remain committed to ensuring our school is a place where everyone is welcome and every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success, and I look forward to seeing our school continue to flourish.”