St Ursula’s Convent School is celebrating a major milestone after its latest Ofsted inspection confirmed the school is now operating at strong and expected standards across all areas.
The report marks a significant step forward for the school and recognises the rapid improvements made under Headteacher Mark O’Shaughnessy, who joined in September 2024. Inspectors praised the pace of change and the positive culture now firmly embedded across the school.
Achievement was judged to be at a strong standard, with Ofsted noting:
“Pupils across all age groups develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding across the curriculum… Pupils consistently produce work of an extremely high quality.”
GCSE results are largely above the national average, and disadvantaged pupils achieve highly compared to their peers nationally.
The success has also drawn praise from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, who congratulated the school on the “excellent outcomes” achieved by disadvantaged pupils. She said the school’s performance “places it among the very best nationally” and reflects “what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together.”
Pride, belonging and ambition
Ofsted captured the distinctive spirit of the school, stating:
“Pupils feel an immense sense of pride and belonging in the school. They are proud ‘Ursulines’.”
Inspectors also highlighted that behaviour has improved significantly since the previous inspection and that pupils are happy, aspirational and focused in lessons.
Students who make up the school’s Junior Leadership Team said:
“We’re delighted to see our school getting the recognition it truly deserves. Growing up at St Ursula’s has given us a real sense of comfort, support and belonging within a close-knit community, and this Ofsted rating reflects the positive experience students have here every day.”
Rapid and embedded improvement
Inspectors recognised the impact of refreshed leadership, stating:
“[Leaders] have made rapid improvements across all aspects of the school in a short space of time.”
Headteacher Mark O’Shaughnessy said:
“This vastly improved Ofsted report is a moment of real pride for our school, and a powerful reflection of how far we have come in a short space of time. It recognises the dedication of our staff, the resilience and ambition of our students and the shared commitment we have to delivering the very best education. Our community has come together, healed, and now moves forward into a bright future.”
On behalf of the governing body, governors added:
“The governors are thrilled with the pace of transformation and the rapid progress made. The inspectors recognised the amazing dedication and commitment from the whole school team.”
A confident future
The inspection highlights strong attendance, below national rates of persistent absence, alongside a clear focus on inclusion and high expectations for all pupils.
The overall message is clear: St Ursula’s Convent School has strengthened its foundations, raised standards rapidly and is moving forward with confidence.
For families across the community, the reassurance is unmistakable. St Ursula’s is delivering high-quality education, strong leadership and an environment where pupils are proud, ambitious and thriving.
