St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy (SFX) has achieved a ‘GOOD’ rating in its most recent Catholic Schools Inspection.
This is a well-deserved recognition that highlights the continued growth of the school and its dedication to providing a high-quality Catholic education and environment.
The inspection, which was completed in February 2025, looked at how the school delivers religious education and collective worship, presents Catholic life, and overall pupil outcomes, provision, and leadership.
In the positive report, SFX was commended for how it incorporates its Xaverian values of respect, care, and excellence throughout the school, as well as the presence of its mission statement, ‘Jesus came so that you may have life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10). The statement was noted as being ‘central to Catholic life’.
Staff were also pleased to read in the report that students had given positive feedback about lessons, including RE itself, where one young person had commented that it is a “happy subject” and that the “learning is interesting.”
The restoration and refurbishment of the chapel was highly commended too. It is an iconic central point of SFX, described in the report as putting ‘Christ at the centre’.
The atmospheric chapel is adorned with beautiful, colourful stained-glass windows and contains rows of pews for students to sit together, practice their faith, say the academy prayer and contribute to chaplaincy. Involvement in the chaplaincy and time spent in the chapel has positively impacted many children at the school.
A Year 9 student explained: “I’m new to the school and have several anxiety issues. I overcame these through my involvement in chaplaincy which gave me more confidence.”
It was also acknowledged that the school’s assessment and learning schemes are well-structured, effectively supporting teachers in planning and delivering lessons, while helping students follow a consistent and familiar routine.
In particular, the report stated that ‘students form good relationships with each other, and the staff, and they understand that positive behaviour contributes to the school ethos’. Behaviour was also highlighted as ‘good’, and students were complimented on the respect that they have for ‘the prayer life of the school’.
As well as ensuring Catholic life through the emphasis of a moral framework and dedicated prayer spaces in classrooms, the report made note of the school’s very inclusive nature.
The inspector heard fulsome praise from Muslim students about how SFX ensures to accommodate their needs and make them feel welcomed.
The report commended the school for fostering a truly inclusive environment, where every student is valued and supported, alongside an unwavering commitment to excellence and ambition for all.
Roy Matthews, director of Catholic life and head of RE said: “One of the most defining features of a Catholic school is the central role that faith plays in the life of the school. In Catholic schools, everything we do – whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the wider community – is underpinned by our Christian faith and values. The teachings of the Gospel guide our actions and our approach to education, emphasising love, compassion, respect, and justice for all.
Our recent inspection report underlines and affirms that our focus is right and that our provision of these aspects of a pupil’s life are good. For us, however, receiving good is not a final destination but rather a point of departure in order to become even better.”
Luke Mythen, Associate Head of RE added: “I am immensely proud that we achieved ‘Good’, in particular the RE department, in the Catholic Schools Inspection. This is a testament to the departments and pupils’ hard work, dedication, and unity. We came together, showed the best version of ourselves, and our remarkable improvement has rightfully been acknowledged. This is just the beginning of our journey to ‘outstanding’. With a clear vision and a strong pathway to outstanding, we are shaping a future of excellence, with Christ at the centre.”
Mr David Hayes, who has been headteacher of St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy for four years, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have received a ‘GOOD’ in our latest Catholic Schools Inspection. This rating is a testament to our wonderful staff who work hard to deliver high-quality Catholic education, the respect and care shown by our students daily, and how everyone comes together to practice our faith.
“At SFX, it is important to us that we look after each other and continue to live out our Xaverian values each and every day. For this to be recognised alongside our mutual ambition and commitment to inclusivity as a school community is fantastic; I am extremely proud.”
As SFX continues to grow and thrive, the school community remains enthusiastic and is looking forward to achieving even greater success throughout the remainder of this academic year.
The academy is proud to be part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
