Dear Parents and Carers,
We are delighted to share the outcomes of our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place on 3rd February 2026. The report recognises Our Lady and St Kenelm RC School as a place where children thrive, and the feedback is something our whole community can be deeply proud of.
Inspectors described the school as being at a strong/expected standard across all areas, with safeguarding fully met and embedded in a culture where “pupils are made safer and feel safe.” This reflects our shared commitment to care, trust and partnership.
Below are some highlights of our report, broken down into each of the inspection areas.
Achievement
Inspectors noted that “pupils’ books sparkle with care” and that learning is closely aligned to what leaders intend. Outcomes in national curriculum assessments are consistently high and pupils build knowledge securely, preparing them “very well for their next stage of education.”
Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs are highlighted as making positive progress from their starting points, with disadvantaged pupils “typically achieving better than their disadvantaged peers nationally.”
Attendance and Behaviour
The inspectors stated that attendance at OLSK is “a stand-out strength.” They describe our classrooms as “calm and purposeful,” allowing all pupils to achieve. Behaviour and attitudes were said to be “joyous to see,” with a culture that is “unequivocally conducive to success.” All children know the school routines well and as a result, no child is prevented from learning. The behaviour the inspectors observed at break and lunchtimes was equally positive and they could see “a tangible sense of collaboration and support.”
Curriculum and Teaching
Our classrooms were described as “a hive of pupils thinking, trying and achieving.” Inspectors found that our children enjoy reading, speak with “impressive assurance,” and use precise vocabulary across the curriculum, describing the language development as a “golden thread” throughout our curriculum. They recognised that staff work hard to adapt the learning taking place in classes so that “everyone learns the same ambitious curriculum,” and that children with SEND access the learning and achieve to the “same high standard.”
Early Years
Early years was praised as a “joyful, language‑rich environment” where children are “very excited learners.” By the end of Reception, the vast majority of children reach expected learning goals and transition into Year 1 “exceptionally well prepared for what comes next.” Leaders ensure pre‑school children are “off to a flying start”, enabling many children to begin the Reception Year with the skills, knowledge and emotional maturity to settle quickly.
Leadership and Governance
Inspectors noted a clear and shared ambition from leaders, who “bring staff and parents and carers with them.” Parents were described as “overwhelmingly positive about the care, support and education their children receive,” and communication was praised for being “open and handled with care.” Staff feel “valued and trusted,” governors were praised for being “committed, curious and present,” and leadership was said to “create the conditions for pupils and staff to thrive.”
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Pupils were described as “brimming with confidence and pride in their school.” They take on leadership roles, start clubs, lead charity work, and benefit from a wide enrichment offer where “there is something for everyone.” Inspectors highlighted pupils’ respect for others, their understanding of diversity, and their readiness to play a positive role in the wider world.
Inclusion
Inspectors highlighted that all staff know pupils well and that leaders seek advice from specialists such as: speech and language therapy, educational psychology and occupational therapy so that support reflects pupils’ academic, social, emotional and language needs. Even our beloved Elma got a shout-out, with inspectors saying she “complements support beautifully.” The impact of inclusion is evident in the high rates of achievement for disadvantaged pupils.
In response to a changing cohort of pupils, inspectors identified that leaders place a greater emphasis on identifying additional needs as early as possible and that we are tightening school policies, systems and oversight so that, as needs grow, support stays sharply matched to pupils' individual needs.
What Pupils Say...
Most importantly, inspectors gathered the views of our children and reported that pupils speak “passionately” about our school, with some saying they “never want to leave.” Pupils feel known, cared for and listened to, and they clearly live out the school’s mission statement in their everyday actions.
Next Steps
While the report includes one next step around continuing to strengthen early identification for SEND, based on the changing cohorts of pupils coming into school, inspectors recognised that rapid improvements are already underway in this area.
Thank you for the support and trust you place in our school each day. This report celebrates what can be achieved when pupils, families, staff and governors work together with shared ambition and care.
We are incredibly proud of our children, staff, governors and parents – and of our whole Our Lady and St Kenelm family.
With warmest regards,
Mrs Christine Finnegan
Headteacher