Catholic Schools' Inspection

Understanding Catholic School Inspections

When Catholic schools are inspected, it’s part of the Church’s way of caring for and supporting them. Each diocese carries out these inspections on behalf of the Bishop, who has a special role in guiding and protecting the schools in his care, much like a shepherd looks after his flock.

Because of this, dioceses have a spiritual and legal responsibility to ensure that inspections reflect Catholic values and follow Church teachings and national laws. To do this well, they appoint trained and accredited inspectors who understand and respect the mission of Catholic education.

In 2019, all the Bishops in England and Wales agreed on a national framework for inspecting Catholic schools, colleges, and academies. This framework ensures that inspections are consistent across the country and that all inspectors are properly accredited to work in any diocese.

When an inspector visits a school, they are acting on behalf of the local Bishop. That’s why inspectors must be practising Catholics who live out the faith they are helping to uphold in our schools. Their role is not just about checking standards—it’s about supporting the Catholic identity and mission of the school.

We are delighted to share that St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School has been judged Outstanding in all areas following our recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection in May 2025. The report highlights the deep sense of faith and community that defines our school, praising our vibrant prayer life, inspirational leadership, and the way Catholic values are woven into every aspect of school life. Inspectors commended our pupils for their exemplary behaviour, spiritual maturity, and joyful commitment to living out the school’s mission. With high-quality teaching in religious education and a rich programme of collective worship, our school continues to be a place where every child is nurtured, valued, and encouraged to flourish in faith and learning.