Congratulations to staff, pupils and all those 'behind the scenes' at St Bede's, Ormskirk following this recent inspection.

From headteacher Dan Morgan

Dear Parent/Carer,

I am proud and privileged to send you a copy of our recent Catholic School Inspection Report. This is a truly special moment for our school and its community. We all know that St Bede’s is a truly special school and community and we regularly celebrate this, but to get external verification of this within this report is something we are all incredibly proud of. The report explains how we truly are an Outstanding Catholic School, something that we have been striving towards over the last two years. This is a new framework and process, modelled on a similar framework to that that Ofsted use. Inspectors were in school for two days and provided high levels of challenge and were meticulous in their approach. We were put through our paces to enable inspectors to give us this exceptional judgement.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved within our school and its community, for the support we receive from parents/carers and to the exceptional and dedicated members of staff that we have working here. This outcome shows how the team effort and a philosophy based on strong relationships that we adopt daily, can lead to incredible things.

Report highlights:

What the school does well

• Leaders, including the headteacher, chaplain and subject leader for religious education are inspirational. Supported by other leaders and governors, they have intensely focused on the school’s Catholic mission, sought improvement, and set new standards for all.• The strategies adopted for prayer and liturgy ensure that students and staff understand how the Word of God can be applied to their lives.• The personal development programme is expertly devised. It provides a well-thought out and relevant curriculum designed to support the development of students as unique individuals, made in the image of God. • The religious education curriculum at Key Stage Three consists of a bespoke scheme and expertly reflects the needs of the students and prepares them for their studies and faith journey.• Outcomes for students at St Bede’s are outstanding in every way. Progress and attainment are very strong compared to other subjects and national outcomes.

What the school needs to improve

• In line with whole school developments, review systems and practices for consistency in marking and feedback in religious education.• The school should explore design options for a central space where students can gather for formation activities including prayer and liturgy