Downside School in Somerset has been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all nine categories by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, following the visit of inspectors from 25th-26th April 2024 which examined the school’s Catholic life and mission, religious education, and collective worship.
Head Andrew Hobbs said: “I am delighted to share the report following our visit from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, which is a wonderful reflection on our school and underlines what is so special about this community. The strength of our Catholic and Benedictine mission was clearly evident to the inspectors in all they observed and experienced during their visit.”
The Catholic school, based in the Diocese of Clifton, works closely with the Bishop and other Catholic schools in the diocese, taking part in retreats and meetings, sharing ideas and resources. As a Benedictine school, it also shares ideas about Benedictine education with other Benedictine schools around the country.
Mr Hobbs highlighted the praise given by parents about the school’s ‘distinctive’ Catholic and Benedictine culture.
“It was heartwarming to hear the enthusiasm with which parents spoke of the school’s ‘caring and supportive ethos’, with one family describing Downside as ‘a wonderful school which puts service, grace and values at its heart’”, he said.
“Its distinctive culture is built confidently on its Catholic and Benedictine roots which support and encourage the exploration of faith and spiritual growth through belonging to an inclusive and welcoming community, which embraces diversity and nurtures imagination, creativity and open-mindedness.”
The school’s vision has ‘Christ at its centre’, and strives ‘to be a bright light in education and to inspire service in our world.’ Mr Hobbs said: “We are committed to building and developing further where we can and to continuing to make a positive contribution within the Diocese.”
In the Catholic Schools Inspectorate’s report, the level of pastoral care, for both day students and those who board, was seen as exemplary and one of the school’s outstanding strengths. Students were complimented for having a ‘profound understanding’ of their Catholic identity and being ‘authentic witnesses’ to their faith.
Staff, for their part, were seen as ‘exemplary’ role models, whilst a culture of support was identified which enables students to thrive. They show respect and compassion for the individual in all their dealings with students.
Mr Hobbs said: “To have been recognised in this way by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate is a huge credit to our pupils, staff, parents and governors and all who make up our wider community.”
