‘Outstanding’ praise for school after inspection

The English Martyrs Catholic School & Sixth Form College in Hartlepool received the impressive marking in both Catholic Life and Mission and Collective Worship.

The report highlighted the school’s deeply embedded Catholic ethos, exceptional pastoral care and strong sense of community, recognising the significant impact these have on students, staff and families.

Inspectors praised the school’s Catholic identity, noting that the mission, “Christ has no body but yours”, was increasingly understood and lived out throughout the school community. Staff were recognised for ensuring that care, love and respect are shown to every member of the school, creating an environment where students feel valued, supported and inspired to make a difference.

One of the report’s strongest endorsements came in its recognition of the school’s pastoral care, which inspectors described as “exemplary”. The report also stated that students had complete trust in the school’s pastoral systems and that this approach ensures every young person feels welcome. Students themselves spoke passionately about the inclusive culture at The English Martyrs, describing it as “a blanket of warmth” and saying they “truly feel part of this Catholic community.”

Inspectors also highlighted the school’s virtues and values, noting that students clearly understand their importance and can articulate how they inspire them to act with compassion towards others. The school’s commitment to serving those in need was recognised throughout the inspection. Students actively support charitable causes locally and beyond, from providing care parcels for elderly residents to donating medical supplies to hospitals and responding to emerging community needs.

Collective Worship was another area celebrated as “Outstanding”. Inspectors praised students’ enthusiastic participation in prayer and liturgy, noting that increasing numbers willingly lead and deliver meaningful Celebrations of the Word. Students were also given valuable opportunities to shape and plan worship themselves, creating experiences that are both engaging and spiritually enriching.

The report recognised the impact of communal singing and prayer on daily school life, while also commending senior leaders as “outstanding role models of true Catholic faith”, inspiring both staff and students through their commitment to prayer and worship.

A particularly notable feature of the report was the praise given to the flourishing relationship between the school and local parish. Inspectors described the partnership between the school and parish priest as “exemplary”, with the parish priest himself describing prayer and liturgy at the school as “perfect” and commending the dynamic partnership between the school and church.

Head of School, Glenn Thompson said: “We are delighted that the Inspectorate has recognised the exceptional Catholic Life and Mission and Collective Worship that are at the heart of our school. Our mission calls us to serve others with compassion, dignity and love, and I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, governors, families and parish partners who make our school such a special community.”