High five

School is first to achieve Ofsted’s top rating five times

A Merseyside primary school has become the first in the country to be awarded five consecutive outstanding verdicts by school inspectors Ofsted.
The unique achievement by St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Bootle puts the 420-pupil school top of the class out of almost 17,000 primary schools in England. Headteacher Paul Kinsella said: “This success is a testimony to everyone in our school community and their exceptional efforts, achieving high standards every day of the year, from children to teachers, support staff, governors, parents and parishioners.
“Ofsted have inspected us five times since 1999 and each time we’ve been judged outstanding. As the records show, that’s unique among primary schools.”
Chair of governors George Foster added: “Ofsted has raised the bar many times, shifting emphasis in a fastchanging environment. Every time we have met the challenge because St Monica’s is committed to continuous improvement; doing everything we can to give our children the best possible start.
“Fifteen years of excellence at St Monica’s is something the school, the parish, the town and indeed Merseyside should be very proud of.”
The school was specifically praised for its work in ensuring all pupils, including any socially or economically disadvantaged pupils, consistently make good progress.
In their latest report Ofsted inspectors stated: “Pupils at St Monica’s achieve extremely well. “They make excellent progress throughout the school, often from below-average starting points, and consistently reach above-average standards.
“The school daily provides a rich, stimulating climate for learning and life experiences.”

In 2009, as a result of previous outstanding judgements, the school was included by Ofsted in a list of ‘Twenty Outstanding Primary Schools – Excelling Against the Odds’ featuring best practice.
The school was also commended in an early day motion in the House of Commons and has received fact-finding visits from teachers and headteachers from 31 schools across the country.