Mount Carmel R.C. High School
Ofsted Inspection report November 2025
Statement – January 2026
Mount Carmel R.C. High School, Accrington was inspected by Ofsted on 25th and 26th November 2025. The school was therefore one of the first schools to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework. We are delighted to announce that the inspection report confirms that the school has many strengths and much to be proud of.
Firstly, and most importantly, the inspection report confirms that Mount Carmel met all the required safeguarding standards. This “means that leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, pupils are made safer and feel safe.”
We are delighted to report that Mount Carmel meets the ‘strong standard’ in the personal development and well‑being area. Ofsted report that the strong standard is ‘underpinned by significant enrichment opportunities and a carefully crafted programme of personal development that is woven through all aspects of school life’.
A ‘strong standard’ was also awarded for Inclusion. Ofsted reported that the ‘inclusive culture is rooted in the sense of belonging that permeates school. Ofsted also reported ‘that the school works closely with pupils’ families and it helps pupils to achieve well and to get involved in the wider life of the school’.
Inspectors judged Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching and Attendance and Behaviour as meeting the Expected Standards. Ofsted reports that pupils’ highly positive attitudes towards school and their learning is reflected in the strong outcomes they achieve in national examinations’. Furthermore, the report acknowledged that ‘subject curriculums are carefully designed and that teachers employ effective strategies, demonstrating acute awareness of pupils who require additional support’. The Ofsted report also recognises that pupils adhere to school rules and routines and that they are respectful and respond quickly helping the school day run smoothly.
Leadership and Governance was also judged to meet Expected Standards. Inspectors reported that the school leadership team and governors consistently make decisions with pupils’ best interests at the forefront, and that they have an unwavering commitment to raising aspirations and improving life opportunities for all pupils.
The new Ofsted report also includes a section ‘What it’s like to be a pupil at this school’ Ofsted reported ‘Pupils are welcomed as valued members of the Mount Carmel family from the moment they join this school. Consequently, they quickly develop a strong sense of belonging which is underpinned by highly positive relationships with staff and with each other”.
Xavier Bowers, Headteacher says “We are absolutely delighted with our school Ofsted inspection report. We believe the report accurately captures the many strengths of the school, especially the strong school ethos, inclusive culture and effective leadership across school at all levels, including governance. The Ofsted report also gives school leaders and governors clear next steps for the future.
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate and sincerely thank pupils, staff, parents, governors and school advisors for their continued support. The school community can be rightfully proud of this inspection report and it recognises the many areas of improvement since the last school inspection in 2021. I have no doubt that the school will be as ambitious as ever and continue to go from strength to strength”.
“Mr Bowers goes on to say that in many ways the new Ofsted framework is significantly more challenging than the previous framework. The 7 areas included in the new framework and updated grade descriptors included in each section, have once again raised the bar as far as the expectations and standards for schools”.
The full report can be viewed using this link
Ofsted Report - November 2025
An explanatory video of the new Ofsted report cards can be viewed using this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMMoqZv-DUU
OFSTED’s Parent View gives you the chance to tell OFSTED what you think about your child’s school. They will use the information you provide when inspecting the schools. By sharing your views, you’ll be helping your child’s school to improve. Use this link to go to their website http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
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