The last four Ofsted inspections of CST schools have all received an outstanding grade for ‘personal development’. These schools are Trinity Academy, St Werburgh’s Primary School, Headley Park Primary School and Cathedral Primary School.  The judgement recognises the exceptional work that has been done across the Trust to go beyond the expected so that all pupils can access a wide, rich set of experiences and a range of coherently planned opportunities to develop their talents and interests.

For example, all CST Primary schools have implemented a ‘Primary Passport’ - a list of  experiences pupils will be able to enjoy whilst at the school. Ofsted commended the schools on their passports. The Headley Park report said their passport ‘offers all pupils an opportunity to develop their character, for example, by helping to improve their local community or taking part in a musical concert.’ The St Werburgh’s report commented that: “Pupils receive a wealth of wider enrichment opportunities identified through the ‘Passport of Experience’.” 

All four reports complimented the schools on their extracurricular activities which exceed expectations. At Trinity Academy the Ofsted report said: “The extracurricular programme is exceptional. It is not an added extra but something in which nearly all pupils participate. A wide variety of clubs and activities are inclusive and valued by all. Many pupils represent the school in sports teams. Younger pupils take part in music ensembles, and they all sing in choirs.” Similarly at St Werburgh’s Primary School the inspectors noted “Pupils enjoy the wealth of experiences they have, which go beyond the academic curriculum. They participate in a wide range of clubs, such as choir, film and pottery.”

Another theme running throughout all the reports was how schools teach pupils to become good citizens and use their voice to bring about change in line with the Trust’s mission to ‘Empower the next generation of changemakers.’ The Trinity report stated: “Many take on leadership responsibilities within the house system or as anti-bullying ambassadors. The school goes beyond what is expected to ensure pupils have a rich set of experiences.” At Cathedral Primary School, the inspector commented: “The school’s wider offer for pupils is exceptional. The school teaches pupils to ‘use their voice’ to make a difference in the world. For example, inspired by the work of the school’s ‘green team,’ pupils held a peaceful protest to raise awareness of climate change.”

Jack Lacey, Deputy CEO said:  Part of our trust’s mission statement is to ‘open minds and expand choices’ and to ‘empower the next generation of changemakers.’  We want our children to engage in meaningful experiences which both enrich and extend beyond the core curriculum.  We also want them to grow into responsible and active citizens who contribute positively to society. We are delighted that Ofsted has seen this in action across our schools and recognised our work to promote the personal development of our pupils.