28 Nov 2024
St Albans-based Loreto College has received four ‘Outstanding’ grades following an Ofsted inspection last month.
The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management were all recognised with the rating, with the sixth-form provision considered ‘Good’.
The inspector’s report said: “Pupils, and students in the sixth form, are exceptionally well supported to succeed at Loreto College. The school is driven by its ethos to support all pupils to value ‘freedom, sincerity, truth, justice and joy’.
“There is a strong emphasis on living and demonstrating these values. Staff know pupils well and have very high expectations for them. The school provides an ambitious curriculum, where pupils develop secure subject knowledge. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make exceptional academic progress.
“Teachers build strong relationships with pupils, which allows them to thrive and enjoy their education. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and around the school. They welcome visitors and share their school experiences enthusiastically. In line with the school’s Catholic ethos, pupils are taught to respect and celebrate difference. There is a strong culture of tolerance and inclusion. Bullying is rare and pupils are safe.”
It said pupils at the Hatfield Road school follow a rich and ambitious curriculum which matches, and often exceeds, the scope of what is expected nationally.
“Teachers have positive working relationships with pupils and, as a result, they are willing to answer questions and to take risks. They listen carefully to their teachers and each other, asking interesting questions that demonstrate their curiosity to learn.”
Headteacher Lucy Thompson said: “We are delighted that Ofsted have continued to judge the school as outstanding in the 4 key areas and have recognised that all students, including those with special educational needs, make exceptional progress.
“The Ofsted team were really impressed with the pupils and students in the sixth form and noted the high levels of care they have for each other and how they ‘respect and celebrate difference.’ Our strong Catholic ethos and values shone out through their actions and they are an inspiration to us all!
“We thank the talented staff who work so hard and have high expectations of what the children can achieve, and also the governors who give their time so generously. I would also like to thank the parents for their continued support of the school and for responding in high numbers to give such positive feedback to Ofsted.
“Loreto College celebrated its centenary in 2022 – we look forward to another century of exceptional education!”
