St Mary’s Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy, located in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as an outstanding educational institution following its inspection in November 2014. The academy, which converted to an academy school in March 2013, has demonstrated exceptional performance across various aspects of education, including leadership, teaching quality, and student achievement. The school prepares students effectively for their future careers, ensuring that all groups of students in Key Stages 3 and 4 make outstanding progress. The results achieved by students in Year 11 are significantly above national averages, reflecting the high standards maintained by the academy.
The sixth form provision is rated as good, with students expressing satisfaction and performing well in their studies. However, there is a noted need for improvement in A-level progress to match the high standards seen at the GCSE level. Students feel safe and supported within the academy environment, exhibiting positive attitudes towards learning. The majority of parents agree that their children are safe and well cared for at the school. Attendance rates are high and continue to improve, with low levels of persistent absence.
The behavior of students is exemplary, characterized by punctuality, politeness, and respect for staff and peers. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize effective teaching strategies, although there are occasional inconsistencies in marking and adherence to assessment procedures. The monitoring of teaching quality is robust, leading to effective identification of student needs and ensuring that they are met. Leaders at all levels share a commitment to high expectations for all students, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel.
Governors and senior leaders set ambitious goals and reflect accurately on their impact on student outcomes. They challenge each other to ensure continuous improvement, particularly in the sixth form, and to support disadvantaged students in achieving better results. The inspection team observed a wide range of lessons and reviewed various documents related to safeguarding, performance data, and teaching quality, confirming the academy's strong performance.
The academy has a diverse student body, with a majority coming from a White British background. The proportion of disadvantaged students is low compared to national averages, and the academy has implemented effective strategies to support these students. The curriculum is designed to engage students and prepare them for future educational and career opportunities. The academy also collaborates with a local secondary school to expand the curriculum available to sixth form students.
Despite the overall success, the academy recognizes the need to enhance progress rates in the sixth form and to strengthen marking and assessment practices. There is a commitment to sharing best practices among teachers to ensure that all students receive the highest quality of education. The leadership team is proactive in identifying areas for development and implementing strategies to address them, ensuring that the academy continues to provide an excellent education for all its students.
