'Outstanding Pupils And Inspirational Leadership' - Glowing Report For East Cowes' Holy Cross

A recent Catholic Schools Inspection has commended pupils at Holy Cross as outstanding ambassadors for their school, along with the inspirational leadership of Head Teacher, Lucie Banks, who is driving rapid and impressive improvements across the school. 

Exemplary behaviour 

School inspectors describe pupils as ‘exceptionally respectful and kind towards each other. …behaviour is exemplary.’

The report states that:

"Pupils are extremely happy, confident and feel secure; they are proud of their school and enjoy coming in every day."

Inspectors witnessed older pupils supporting younger ones, modelling expected behaviours.

Inspectors comment that this was demonstrated ‘most impressively, in all sorts of informal ways such as teaching them games at playtime and calming them down when appropriate.’ 

Inspirational leader driving rapid improvement  

The Inspectors also highlight the rapid improvements at Holy Cross primary school under ‘inspirational’ Head Teacher Lucie Banks’ 'clear and determined leadership'.  

The glowing report by the Inspectors from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, the national body that inspects Catholic schools, gave the school an overall rating of 2 - Good, with four of the nine areas judged as Outstanding, including its commitment to Catholic life and mission, as well as leadership. 

Energised team with self-belief  

The whole school team has been praised for its unwavering commitment to the school’s mission and for modelling the school’s values of Kindness, Confidence and Excellence - enthusiastically encouraging pupils in their efforts to serve others.  

Inspectors found that staff work successfully with parents who are very supportive of the school. ‘Staff know their families well and will quickly jump in to support… but this is always done discreetly and with dignity.’ 

Accurate reflection 

Jim Willetts, Chair of Governors, expressed his pride in the inspection findings:

"We are delighted with the results, which truly reflect the strengths of our school.

"It’s heartening to see families choosing our school because of the strong, supportive community we’ve built.

"This report affirms our shared vision of being "One school family, achieving together, anchored in the love of Christ."

Headteacher Lucie Banks remarked:

"We are thrilled with the outcomes of the report, and were particularly pleased that the hard work and dedication of all of our staff was clearly recognised by the inspectors.

"We also take immense pride in our pupils, our “outstanding ambassadors”, for their involvement in actively living out our mission statement, and in doing so, making Holy Cross the caring, happy school family that it is."

Holy Cross welcome all families to visit the school, and still has places in September in Reception (Early years Ofsted good), as well as in the current Year 3 and Year 4 classes.