++ Outstanding report recognises faith, leadership and service at Stevenage secondary school ++

The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School in Stevenage has been formally recognised as outstanding in every area by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) following its most recent inspection.

The report awarded Grade 1 judgements across Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship, describing the school as a beacon of Catholic education where faith, learning and life are united in joyful witness.

Inspectors praised the school's deeply embedded Catholic identity, rooted in Gospel values and lived daily by pupils and staff. They highlighted an inclusive community where every person is known, valued and loved, and where prayer, liturgy and service are central to school life.

The report also commended the school's commitment to Catholic social teaching, noting how pupils are inspired to live out their faith through social justice, charitable action and service to others. Teaching in religious education was praised as inspirational, with strong outcomes and confident pupil discussion.

David Carrasco-Morley, Headteacher at The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School, said:

"This report is a powerful affirmation of who we are as a community. It reflects the way our pupils live their faith with confidence, compassion and integrity, and the dedication of our staff who serve them with care and vocation every day. We are proud to be recognised as a school where faith is not only taught but joyfully lived."

The school is part of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DoWAT), which supports Catholic schools across London and the southeast.

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Pat Murden, Chief Executive Officer of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust, said:

"This outstanding report recognises a school where Catholic education is lived with authenticity, joy and purpose. The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School exemplifies what it means to place dignity, service and flourishing at the heart of education. We are incredibly proud of the staff, pupils and leaders whose commitment makes this possible."

The inspection strengthens the school's reputation for excellence and reflects a wider trust-wide commitment to inclusion, high expectations and faith in action.

The highlights include:

• 'The school is a beacon of Catholic education, where faith, learning and life are united in joyful witness to the lived-out Gospel.'
• 'The school's Catholic identity and mission are deeply embedded and joyfully lived by all members of the community.'
• 'This is an inclusive community that values the dignity of every person and ensures that staff and pupils feel valued, well known and loved.'
• 'Prayer and liturgy are at the heart of the school's ethos and mission, fostering reverence, belonging and personal growth.'
• 'There is an exceptional commitment to Catholic social teaching by the whole community, inspiring pupils to live out their faith through social justice, charitable action and service to others.'
• 'Leaders demonstrate a profound understanding of the mission of Catholic education, placing this at the heart of the school's life and strategic decision making.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection took place on 29–30 January 2026.

The school received Grade 1 judgements across Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship.

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The school is located on Hitchin Road, Stevenage SG1 4AE.

The report describes the school as a beacon of Catholic education.