Our school is a place where all learn and grow knowing that Christ’s love surrounds them and all are valued for their uniqueness. Our mission statement permeates every aspect of our school life and this was recognised by OFSTED.

St Mary Queen of Martyrs Catholic School, which serves the Hull Parishes of St Mary’s Bransholme and St Francis of Assisi, is celebrating after OFSTED Inspectors described it as ‘a good school with some outstanding aspects’. The report highlights the fact that the pupils are confident, happy and immensely proud of their school.

‘An impressive feature of the school is the sheer level of enjoyment experienced by the pupils.’ Children learn well because the teachers work hard to make their lessons interesting, challenging and creative. Pupils’ personal development is outstanding including their spiritual, moral and social development. ‘The school’s nurturing ethos ensures that pupils become confident, independent and thoughtful. They value good manners and behave responsibly towards adults and to each other. The children say, ‘Everyone smiles and this is a happy school.’

Standards are good and pupils of all ages achieve well. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make good progress because SEN provision is very good. Music is a strength of the school. Drama and sport feature strongly and pupils enjoy a wide range of extra curricular activities.

The separate Diocesan Inspection reinforces OFSTED’s judgements and say we are totally committed to the Catholic Faith and life and mission of the Church. Prayer is central to the life of the school and spiritual development is a priority. Our collective worship is outstanding.

‘The school provides a rich, broad and well-balanced curriculum supported by a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. It is an open, welcoming community where every individual is valued and nurtured and all are striving to create a ‘fun palace’ where excellence and enjoyment are goals shared by all leaders and managers.’ ‘There is an outstanding relationship with the parish and staff actively seek opportunities to nurture this with the supportive, pro-active Parish Priest/Chaplain who cites the school as ‘mission outreach of the Church’.

Chair of governors, Fr John Bane, congratulates everyone on a well deserved result.

Headteacher, Finola Barron, believes that the school is very successful because of the strength of the teamwork among the all the staff, the governors, the local community, outside agencies and stakeholders, and the many voluntary helpers who work there.

Full reports can be read on the school website: www.st-maryqom.ik.org