Headteacher Lucie Pond with students in the school chapel
Archbishop Holgate’s School is celebrating a highly positive inspection outcome following its latest Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), which recognised the school as a place where students and staff are able to flourish within a deeply inclusive and aspirational culture.
The inspection highlighted that the school is “living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish”, inspired by the words in John 10:10 – ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.
Headteacher, Lucie Pond, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the SIAMS inspection has recognised Archbishop Holgate’s as a place where people flourish. Our vision is about enabling every young person to ‘have life in all its fullness’, and I’m proud that the report reflects the care, ambition and dedication shown by our staff and students every day.
The inspector recognised the inclusive culture we have built together and the strength of relationships across our school community. I would like to thank our staff, governors, families and the wider trust for their continued support.”
The inspector praised the way the school’s Christian vision “drives leaders’ actions creating an aspirational and deeply inclusive culture,” ensuring students and staff experience “a sense of a fullness of life.”
The inspection also recognised the strength of partnerships with the Diocese of York and Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, noting these relationships help create a stimulating learning environment where students can thrive.
Students benefit from an ambitious and enriching curriculum which the inspector said “inspires and motivates students including those considered disadvantaged” enabling them to discover their talents and achieve personal goals.
The school’s commitment to inclusion was particularly praised. Staff were described as “relentless in their drive to understand the needs of individual students,” ensuring support is carefully targeted so that every young person can feel a strong sense of belonging.
Religious Education was also singled out as a major strength, with the inspector commending “exceptional leadership” and a curriculum that enables students to develop a deep understanding of different beliefs and worldviews.
The school’s chair of governors, David Taylor, said: “The SIAMS inspection report is a powerful reflection of the ambition and culture of our school. The report acknowledges leaders and staff who are passionate and committed to aspire for the best for our students and our community.”
The positive SIAMS outcome builds on the school’s strong track record of external recognition, which includes a previous outstanding SIAMS rating in 2017 and an outstanding in all areas judgement from Ofsted in 2021.
More recently, Archbishop Holgate’s underwent an Ofsted inspection in January, under their new assessment framework, which praised the school for its excellent and consistent work which is making a real difference to children and young people.
The school was also recently recognised by the Education Secretary for the excellent progress and outcomes achieved by disadvantaged pupils, placing it among the strongest schools nationally for disadvantaged performance.
Archbishop Holgate’s is a founding member of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, a partnership of 18 church and community schools serving more than 6,800 children and young people across York and North Yorkshire.
The report highlighted the positive impact of the trust, noting that staff value the compassionate way that the trust ‘wraps its arms around the school.’
CEO of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, Andrew Daly, said: “This is a fantastic report for Archbishop Holgate’s and a testament to the commitment and expertise of staff across the school.
The inspection rightly highlights the powerful partnerships between the school, the trust and the Diocese, and reflects the shared ambition we have across Pathfinder to ensure every child flourishes and succeeds.”