St Anthony’s VC Academy Praised for "Warm and Supportive" Culture

St Anthony’s VC Academy is proud to announce the outcome of its recent Ofsted inspection, conducted in January 2026. The report from His Majesty’s Inspectors highlights a Roman Catholic school defined by its "warm, calm and supportive ethos" where pupils feel safe, included and known as individuals.

The inspection team recognised the school’s success in several critical areas, noting that the school is fulfilling the new benchmark Expected Standard of education and care:
• Positive Culture & Behaviour: Inspectors praised the school’s 'Sparkle' ethos, noting that pupils follow well-established routines and show positive attitudes toward learning.
• Improved Attendance: The school’s leaders have successfully improved attendance through innovative strategies like the "walking bus" and breakfast clubs, bringing figures close to national averages.
• Inclusive Excellence: The school was noted for its "inclusive culture," providing timely and well-matched support for pupils with SEND and those who are disadvantaged.
• Robust Safeguarding: Safeguarding standards are fully met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility".

Whilst the report noted that historical achievement has been variable, it highlighted that recent improvements to the curriculum are already yielding better progress. At the end of Key Stage 2, outcomes are now broadly similar to the national average.
"Teachers listen to us," shared one pupil during the inspection, reflecting the consensus that staff care deeply for their students.
Leaders and teachers at St Anthony’s, supported by St Cuthbert's RC Academy Trust, are already acting on the report’s recommendations. Next steps include embedding recent curriculum improvements further and ensuring consistency in handwriting and early years language development to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

Headteacher, Mrs Storch is delighted with the outcome saying, “I am incredibly proud of our school every single day: we have a wonderful community and our staff work tirelessly to ensure every child feels safe, happy and excited by their learning. Our recent Ofsted report card highlights many of our strengths and the actions we are already taking to improve further – we are excited to continue on this journey to make St Anthony’s even better!”

Chair of Governors Mrs Greensmith added, “On behalf of the schools Local Governance Board, I would like to express how incredibly proud we are of the Ofsted inspection report published in March”. It is a testament to the tireless efforts of Mrs Storch & the St Anthony’s staff, the resilience of our students, and the support from our families. Praised in the report are pupils’ positive attitudes to learning, respect for others and willingness to lead and participate in school life, which underpin the improvements highlighted by Ofsted. The children’s engagement and sense of belonging are central to the school’s ongoing improvement alongside our staff and families. We are confident that the school will continue to raise achievement and publish even stronger outcomes over time, working closely with the St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Academy Trust and with families.”

CEO of the St Cuthberts RC Academy Trust, Mrs McEvoy also stated, “I would like to express my sincere thanks and congratulations to the entire St Anthony’s community. This Ofsted outcome is a direct reflection of the dedication and hard work shown every day by our headteacher, teaching staff and support staff, whose commitment to providing a warm, inclusive and high-quality education is evident throughout the report. I am deeply proud of the collective effort that has brought the school to this point, and I look forward to continuing our work together as St Anthony’s builds on these strong foundations to ensure every child is able to flourish.”