A Liverpool secondary school has been graded as outstanding after a recent assessment by education officials. The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, received the highest possible rating following a joint denominational inspection conducted by the Diocese of Liverpool and the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Inspectors Praise School's Ethos and Community
The inspection report highly commended the Kensington school's development of learners and its approach to collective worship, describing it as central to its Christian identity. Inspectors highlighted that the quality of religious education is good with outstanding features. They also recognized that student performance has continued to rise since the last inspection in 2018 and is wholly inclusive of the increased percentage of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Teresa Bleasdale, headteacher of The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, said leaders were "absolutely delighted" by the result. The inspection highlighted the strength of the school's ethos and community, according to a report which stated: "The Academy of St Francis of Assisi has continued over time to establish what is now a whole generation of membership and connection within the local community and wider neighbourhoods. This is because its mission and values serve in maintaining a school ethos that is wholly Catholic and wholly Church of England."
The report added: "This is upheld by the trust, headteacher, chaplain, and leaders, including governors, through an inclusive programme for monitoring and evaluation."
School Accommodates Nearly 900 Pupils
The mixed gender school accommodates almost 900 pupils on its site at Gardners Drive in L6. Inspectors also praised the dedication of Ms Bleasdale and her senior leadership team, together with the continued support of All Saints Multi Academy Trust and governors.
The report continued: "The Christian vision of the headteacher is rooted in the care of this Christian community and in ensuring its living of the mission to 'Live, love and learn together in the light of Christ', supported by its core values of pride (in each other), respect and ambition. Indeed, this vision is at the heart of everything that is undertaken at St Francis of Assisi. It is shared by the trust, chaplain, leaders and governors."
Headteacher and Trust Celebrate Achievement
Ms Bleasdale commented: "Our Christian mission of 'Live, love and learn together in the light of Christ' is not just a statement but something that shapes daily life across the academy. We are proud of the inclusive, nurturing environment we have built, where every young person is supported and encouraged to flourish academically, personally and spiritually. This recognition celebrates the strength of our community and the shared ambition we hold for every student to achieve their very best."
Heather Duggan, chief executive of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, added: "We are overjoyed that The Academy of St Francis of Assisi has achieved 'outstanding' in its joint denominational inspection. This outcome is a testament to the dedication of the entire academy community and the strength of its Christian ethos. This is an academy that makes a real difference in the lives of young people and their families, and everyone involved should be proud of this result. Congratulations to Ms Bleasdale and her brilliant team."
