Our Lady and St. Bede Catholic Academy Celebrates ‘Outstanding’ Catholic Schools Inspectorate Report
Our Lady and St. Bede Catholic Academy (OLSB) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating in its recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate report, affirming its commitment to excellence in Catholic education and holistic student development.
The report highlights OLSB as “a beacon of hope and love for students and families in their local area”, praising the school’s unwavering dedication to supporting those in greatest need and its inspirational approach to social action. Inspectors commended the Headteacher and senior leaders for Catholic life and mission as “incredible witnesses to the faith”, noting their authenticity, integrity, and servant leadership.
Among the many strengths identified in the report:
- Faith in Action: Students fully embrace the school’s Catholic identity and mission, describing OLSB as “a place of love and community” and “the definition of hope”. Their commitment to service is exemplary, supporting Cafod, St Vincent de Paul Society, local charities, and participating in diocesan and national events such as FLAME, retreats, and pilgrimages.
- Outstanding Religious Education: The curriculum is creative, engaging, and meaningful, with students calling it “amazing” and “eye-opening”. Lessons inspire deep understanding and reflection, helping students grow in virtue and live out Catholic social teaching.
- Holistic Development: The school places great emphasis on forming the whole person - academically, spiritually, and emotionally - ensuring every student can journey in faith and flourish.
- Community and Pastoral Care: Relationships throughout the school are warm, respectful, and grounded in dignity. Pastoral care is exceptional, with staff working tirelessly to ensure every child is known personally and supported to thrive.
- Partnership with Parish: The flourishing partnership with the parish and outstanding support from the parish priest enrich the spiritual life of the school community.
The school’s motto, “To know God is to know me”, is authentically lived and witnessed across the academy. Chaplaincy provision is dynamic and central to the mission, offering extensive opportunities for prayer, reflection, and encounter. Staff describe their work as a vocation and speak of the school as “a haven of peace”.
Headteacher Mo Wilkinson, commented:
"As a school community, we are immensely proud of the outcome and report. Clearly, this is great news for our school, for the community and for the quality of Catholic education in the area. I would like to thank and pay tribute to the dedication of our staff and Catholic Life team who work in partnership with our families, wider community and parishes in delivering the outcomes stated in the report, and I am so proud of the phenomenal young people who make the community at Our Lady and St Bede the special place it is to study, work and pray."
This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication of the entire school community - students, staff, parents, and parish - working together to create a joyful, inclusive environment rooted in Gospel values.