A Chippenham primary school has been praised for its welcoming Catholic community, exemplary behaviour and the enthusiasm of pupils for prayer and worship.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, received an overall Good judgement following its latest Catholic Schools Inspection.
The Catholic Schools Inspectorate assesses schools across areas including Catholic life and mission, religious education, collective worship and overall effectiveness.
Inspectors described St Mary’s as “a vibrant Catholic community where all are welcomed with kindness and love”, while praising pupils for their understanding of the school’s mission and the way its values influence everyday life.
The report highlighted the behaviour and attitude of pupils, particularly during religious education lessons.
Inspectors said pupils “show great respect for adults and each other” and described their behaviour in religious education as “exemplary”.
Staff were also singled out for praise, with inspectors describing them as a committed team who support one another and “go the extra mile for those most vulnerable”.
Collective worship was identified as another particular strength.
Pupils were said to respond with “deep reverence and joy” to opportunities for prayer and worship, while those given leadership roles were praised for approaching their responsibilities with pride and maturity.
The school’s Chaplaincy for All initiative was also highlighted, alongside activities including its rosary club, Bible Society and CAFOD club.
Inspectors also praised the school’s approach to learning about other faiths, particularly opportunities for pupils to meet visitors and hear directly about different beliefs and traditions.
Catholic social teaching is another important part of school life. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for caring for the world around them and supporting people in need, with activities including foodbank collections and fundraising for CAFOD.
Lucy Buckland, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said the report recognised the work of the whole school community.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and of the positive recognition it gives to our entire school community,” she said.
“The inspectors recognised the strong commitment of pupils, staff, governors and families in supporting the school’s mission and values.”
She added that the Catholic Schools Inspection result follows a positive Ofsted inspection in January 2026.
“We are extremely proud of these results. Together with the positive outcome from our Ofsted inspection in January 2026, this judgement is further recognition of the significant hard work, dedication and progress that has been made across the school in recent years.”
While celebrating the result, Ms Buckland said the school remained focused on improving further.
“While we celebrate this success, we remain ambitious for our school and committed to continuous improvement,” she said.
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, said the inspection had recognised the warmth and sense of community at St Mary’s.
“St Mary’s is a wonderfully warm and welcoming school with a strong sense of community, and it is so rewarding to see these strengths recognised by inspectors,” she said.
“We are very proud of the pupils, staff and families who contribute so much to school life and help create a place where children can flourish.”
