Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows has achieved ‘Outstanding’ in all areas following its latest Joint Denominational Inspection by the Diocese of Liverpool and the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Following a Section 48 inspection in April, inspectors have awarded the academy the highest possible judgement across all areas, including the school’s distinctive Christian life, the effectiveness of collective worship, the quality of religious education, and the impact of leadership and management in developing the Christian life of the school.
The report described Hope Academy as “a shining example of a joint denominational community that is wholly Catholic and wholly Church of England”, commending the strong partnership between the school, local churches, dioceses and the wider community.
It highlighted the positive and inclusive environment within the secondary school, stating: “Students and staff are valued and respected as members of the Hope community. They regard school as a ‘happy and safe place where all belong, connect and do hard work’. They feel encouraged to be positive and invest in their own futures.”
The report recognised the strong sense of shared purpose across the academy, with students and staff fully embracing the school’s mission statement and living out its core values of respect, courage, ambition and hope, underpinned by a commitment to ‘working together to inspire excellence’.
Inspectors praised the academy’s collective worship provision as being “at the foundation of the school’s Christian character”, recognising the creativity, inclusivity and spiritual depth of worship experiences across the school. The report also highlighted the positive impact of the school’s chaplaincy, prayer spaces and student leadership opportunities.
Religious education was also identified as a particular strength, with inspectors noting that standards remain consistently high and that the subject is the highest-achieving area of the Key Stage 4 curriculum.
In addition, the leadership across the academy was commended for ensuring its mission and values are embedded throughout daily life, with inspectors acknowledging the dedication of staff, governors and All Saints Multi Academy Trust in creating a nurturing and aspirational environment.
Mrs Marie Adams is Principal of Hope Academy, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust. She said: “We are absolutely delighted that Hope Academy has been recognised as outstanding in every area of this inspection. This report reflects the dedication and ambition that define our entire school community.
“I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, governors and families, who work together every day to create a culture where young people feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best. A huge thank you to All Saints Multi Academy Trust for its incredible support during this journey.”
Mrs Adams added: “To be described as a shining example of a joint denominational community is a tremendous achievement, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success together.”
Miss Heather Duggan, CEO of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, said: “This outstanding inspection outcome for Hope Academy is a moment of real celebration for the whole Trust community and a strong reflection of our mission that we are ‘Better Together’, which is lived out through the way our academies work in partnership, share expertise and support one another to ensure every young person can thrive.
“At Hope Academy, this is clearly seen in the strength of its vision, values and leadership, which have created a welcoming and inclusive community where students are supported to achieve their very best. We are so incredibly proud of everyone who made this happen – congratulations!”