Religious Education Inspections

As a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, St Joseph’s is inspected not only by Ofsted but also through a Catholic School Inspection, known as a Section 48 Inspection. This inspection focuses on the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a Catholic community.

Section 48 inspections look closely at three key areas:

• Catholic Life

• Religious Education

• Collective Worship

These inspections are carried out by the Archdiocese and provide an in‑depth evaluation of how well the school lives out its mission and supports pupils’ spiritual, moral and religious development.

St Joseph’s was inspected by the Archdiocese of Liverpool in January 2019. We are proud that the school was judged Outstanding in every category.

Key strengths highlighted in the report

Catholic Life – Outstanding

Inspectors praised:

• Pupils who “actively participate in the Catholic Life and mission of the school”

• Excellent behaviour rooted in Gospel values

• Strong pupil leadership roles such as prefects, play leaders, online ambassadors and house captains

• A nurturing environment where pupils feel happy, confident and secure

• Deep respect for diversity and strong links with the parish and wider community

Religious Education – Outstanding

Highlights included:

• Outstanding progress across all key stages

• High‑quality teaching with excellent subject knowledge

• Pupils who are “religiously literate and engaged young people”

• Workbooks and written work of a very high standard

• Lessons that are active, engaging and rooted in deep thinking

Collective Worship – Outstanding

Inspectors noted:

• Pupils’ reverence, confidence and enthusiasm in worship

• A rich prayer life embedded in daily school routines

• High‑quality planning and leadership of worship by staff and pupils

• Strong understanding of the liturgical year

• Inclusive opportunities for families and parishioners to join worship

What This Means for Our School Community

The Archdiocesan report reflects the deep commitment of our pupils, staff, governors and parish community to living out our mission:

“Together we love, learn, follow Jesus.”

The inspection confirmed that St Joseph’s is a joyful, faith‑filled community where children grow spiritually, academically and personally.