I am very proud to be the Headteacher of St. Martin’s Catholic School and Specialist Science College.

The opening sentence of our Ofsted report reveals, Saint Martin’s provides an outstanding standard of education and high quality support for students. Our Diocesan report begins, Saint Martin’s is an outstanding Catholic school. With the support of the Dominican community the school governors are committed, pro-active and rigorous in their duty to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this school on behalf of the trustees.

All those who have worked so hard, staff, students, chaplain, governors and PTFA, were absolutely delighted with these judgements. We acknowledge a huge debt to the wonderfully inspirational work and leadership from people no longer with our school.

It was gratifying to read in the Ofsted report that, strong Catholic ethos and core values...... permeate the work of the school and underpin the high achievements and outstanding personal and spiritual development of students. Recognition was also paid to the good opportunities for students to share their views and take responsibility, which contributes to their confidence and maturity. This results in a strong commitment to environmental issues and charity activities.

On a similar theme, Mr Allan Swaby, the Diocesan inspector wrote, The Catholic ethos generates cohesion within the school where most children are of other Christian denominations. The school is considered to be an excellent environment for personal and spiritual development. There is a wide range of links with the local and wider community that further encourages cohesion.

Ms Nada Trikic, HMI, on behalf of Ofsted recognised Saint Martin’s record of exceptionally high academic standards, The school has consistently enabled students to attain exceptionally high standards by the end of Year 9 because of high expectations, challenging targets, strong parental backing, and outstanding care, guidance and support.

The ‘strongly inclusive community praise, highlights that the individual needs of each student are carefully identified, with great personal support provided for those with learning difficulties or disabilities. Importantly, it was noted that students work in a healthy and secure environment.

We were inspected during the last year of externally reported Key Stage 3 SATs when the achievement of our students earned ‘outstanding’, as they established our school in the top 1% of all schools nationally - an exceptional commendation for all concerned. Standards and achievements in 2011 are, once again, OUTSTANDING - well above National and local expectations.

Please enjoy our website which reflects some of the outstanding work that takes place in our school. As a school we would welcome your feedback on our website.


Mrs. BM Carson