A COLLEGE community is celebrating after securing an outstanding Ofsted rating in its centenary year.
Five inspectors, spent two days reviewing every aspect of life at Carmel College, Darlington, rating it outstanding in every category, including the quality of education offered, behaviour and attitudes of students, their personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision.
The 1,372 pupil school, including an almost 300-strong sixth form, is a leading light in the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust and ranked in the top 100 schools in the country.
Inspectors, praised Carmel College for being a welcoming school with ‘a strong spirit of community’, where pupils showed respect and kindness to all. This was reflected in the ‘School of Sanctuary’ status the college has achieved and how the college attracts students into the sixth form from a range of different schools and backgrounds.
They also highlighted ‘trusting relationships between pupils and staff’, that the school ‘valued pupils for who they were’ and that it went beyond the expected to help every pupil succeed, live life to the full and flourish.
Last inspected in 2013, Carmel College was praised for having the highest aspirations for pupil achievement as they benefitted from a broad and ambitious curriculum and excellent teaching.
Inspectors noted a curriculum developed with ‘considerable expertise’ providing pupils with a deep and rich body of knowledge which was rigorously checked for its impact on their learning.
Pupils’ behaviour was said to be exemplary. In lessons they focussed on their work and listened intently to their teachers.
The school was recognised for being calm and orderly, pupils took responsibility for their behaviour and showed genuine care and consideration for each other.
Pupils were provided with an impressive enrichment programme, enjoying a diverse range of clubs and activities, including sports, music and creative arts, educational visits and events and took on a wide range of leadership roles.
Inspectors noted the school’s high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, whose needs were identified with speed and precision so they could access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve exceptionally well.
“The school promotes reading for pleasure and reading across the curriculum,” the report stated. “Pupils read often at school and develop a substantial vocabulary. The school also develops pupils' oracy. Pupils are articulate and confident speakers.”
Inspectors praised teaching in the sixth form for the rich discussion and debate generated. “They develop students' independence and strengthen their subject knowledge and pupils achieve high levels of attainment,” the report said. “Sixth form students are role models for younger pupils.”
Inspectors said the school’s personal development programme was exceptional. “It makes a significant contribution to the development of pupils’ character,” inspectors said. “Pupils learn about important issues such as relationships and equality and diversity. They are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online and in the local community.”
The school’s careers programme gave pupils detailed information and expert guidance, they undertook meaningful work placements, which helped them make well-informed choices about their next steps.
The school also valued staff and prioritised well-being and workload. “Staff are highly motivated and enjoy working at the school,” the report said.
Carmel College principal Melanie Kane said: “The outcome reflects the love, dedication and commitment of our whole community. The report celebrates that pupils flourish here. We are delighted for everybody that this has been recognised and reflected in our outstanding report.”
Prospective students are invited to attend a Sixth Form Open Evening on November 19 at 6pm.
