Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, has welcomed recognition of the school’s high expectations and continued progress following its Ofsted inspection in January 2026.
The Wallasey-based secondary school met the expected standard across six evaluation areas, reflecting high-quality education under the new Ofsted framework.
This marks a key milestone for St Mary’s by recognising the significant progress that has been made by the school, together with Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Mr Maddocks became headteacher of St Mary’s four years ago. Encouraged and proud of the inspection’s findings, he said: “At St Mary’s Catholic College, we have been on a relentless pursuit of improvement. To be formally recognised is a strong affirmation of the progress we have been working hard to achieve, with the support and dedication of our incredible staff, governors, students, families and the Trust.”
This progress has been driven by strong leadership at all levels, with a shared commitment to ensuring every student receives the best possible education.
Mr Maddocks added: “We have really strengthened teaching and learning through our ambitious, well-planned curriculum. Our inspiring teachers are secure in their subject knowledge and benefit from a consistent, whole-school approach to teaching, helping students to develop their understanding and confidence in each subject.”
This work is underpinned by the school’s warm and welcoming environment, where positive relationships between staff and students enable students to engage fully with their learning and take pride in school life.
He commented: “We have the highest expectations across all aspects of school life, and this is reflected in the calm and caring environment seen across lessons and at social times. The evaluation highlighted the positive impact leaders’ actions have had on the attendance of all students, including disadvantaged children and those who have special educational needs.”
The school was also praised for its inclusive approach, noting the swift identification of need and the effective support that enables every student to thrive. Its specialist resourced provision for autistic children was also highlighted as part of this wider commitment.
Alongside its focus on academic progress, St Mary’s is committed to providing opportunities that develop students’ personal growth, resilience, and confidence, empowering them to become active and informed citizens of the world.
Mr Maddocks said: “We have carefully planned our broad range of opportunities, including enrichment activities, leadership roles, programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and community and global projects through partnerships with Chester Zoo, to ensure students gain valuable skills and experiences beyond the classroom.”
While achievement outcomes continue to rise, the school acknowledges that the journey is ongoing and it remains ambitious for every student.
He concluded: “This report’s recognition illustrates what can be achieved by working together and, in turn, succeeding together. This belongs to every person who has been part of St Mary’s, including our extraordinary staff, our brilliant pupils, our dedicated families, and the unwavering support of the Trust. We serve a community with real and varied needs, and this inspection confirms we are getting it right.”
CEO of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Andy Moor, said: “St Mary’s has earned this moment. As a Catholic trust, we believe every child is created with equal dignity and deserves an education that reflects that. St Mary’s lives those values every day, and I am immensely proud of what this community has achieved together.”