Inspections

Religious Education Inspection

Our last RE Inspection, under the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, was in March 2023.

The inspection report commented:

• The mission is rooted in God’s Word as celebrated throughout the school. Staff fully embrace the school’s mission and are committed to it. Consequently, it is witnessed by the whole community, which works closely together as a team and offers support to one another. Because of this, pupils see Gospel values lived out each day, such as respect for the dignity of the human person, patience, and compassion. Strong relationships at all levels result in an embedded sense of welcome based on embracing all faiths and traditions.
• The school environment is vibrant and celebrates its Catholic life and mission well, helping pupils to learn and grow in faith in an exciting, inclusive, faith-filled atmosphere.
• Staff are positive role models for pupils, showing love and care for them. Therefore, pupils are happy and feel safe and secure at school.
• The faith ambassadors demonstrate a deep-rooted sense of belief and stewardship in their role, actively leading and contributing to the chaplaincy opportunities available.
• The teaching of religious education is good because teachers have secure subject knowledge, which they use to consolidate pupils’ prior learning. As a result, the quality of pupils’ work is of a high standard.
• Behaviour in religious education lessons is a school strength, meaning pupils enjoy and engage well in learning.

The full report can be read below:

• CSI Inspection Report - March 2023

Ofsted Inspection

Our school was last inspected by Ofsted in Juy 2026. We were delighted that the inspection saw that all expected standards were met.

The inspection team commented that:

• Safeguarding standards are met.
• Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, achieve well. Those with special educational needs and/or disabilities make secure progress over time.
• As pupils move through the school they secure foundations in reading, mathematics and increasingly in writing. Pupils generally achieve well across the wider curriculum.
• Pupils enjoy school and value the opportunities available to them.
• Leaders have established a well-organised curriculum that helps pupils build knowledge and skills progressively over time.
• Children make a positive start in early years. Leaders understand the needs of children well.
• St Francis is a school where everyone is made to feel welcome.
• Leaders have maintained a clear focus on pupils’ education and wellbeing.
• Pupils at St Francis are caring young people. The school's values of kindness, gratitude, service, resilience, responsibility and compassion underpin pupils' personal development and shape daily life across the school.

The full report can be read below:

• Ofsted Inspection Report - July 2026

Parent View

You can now share your views on our school via Ofsted's Parent View website. By sharing your views, Ofsted hopes you'll be helping the school to improve. You will also be able to see what other parents have said about us.