Following a joint three-day Ofsted inspection in January, the special needs school and college, which supports day and residential students aged 9 to 19 years, was judged to be outstanding for its residential provision and good for education.

As the inspection report states, “Pupils flourish at this school due to the strong emphasis on developing their communication skills and the way that they interact with others. Staff at the school are ambitious for each pupil, refusing to place barriers on what they can achieve”.

Sarah Thompson, Principal of St Catherine’s said, “We are delighted by the Ofsted inspectors’ judgements and their wonderful comments about the school and college. Their judgement is a great testament to the excellent teamwork by our dedicated staff and trustees, who I would like to thank for their continued commitment. We must also say a big thank you to our wonderful students, who give their best each and every day”.