‘Exceptional’ St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy praised by CSI
Students at a Sunderland girls’ school make an “exceptional contribution” to school life and lessons and derive “profound” benefit from religious education delivered by staff who “go the extra mile”, according to a new report.
St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was recently inspected by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) and rated ‘Outstanding’.
The CSI, which judges Catholic schools on overall effectiveness, Catholic life and mission, religious education, and collective worship, found that pastoral care is a strength of St Anthony’s and praises leaders for their professionalism, care and dedication. Students achieve “exceptionally well” in religious education and demonstrate a “deep enjoyment” of their learning.
CSI lead inspector Donna Burns said in her report: “The mission of the school, ‘Let us be shining lamps, giving light to all around us’, has a unique character that is deeply rooted in the tradition influenced by the Sisters of Mercy. This mercy ethos permeates every element of the school community. It inspires all aspects of school life including relationships, behaviour and learning.”
Students take on leadership roles such as Faith Ambassadors, supporting spiritual life across the school, while others participate in the Faith in Action Award. Older students support younger students with their transition to secondary school.
Their commitment to charitable work is “outstanding”, leading and participating in fundraising for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Maggie’s Cancer Care and CAFOD.
“Through all these experiences, students grow spiritually, morally and socially, becoming compassionate witnesses to faith,” continued the report.
“Staff demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the Church’s mission in education, acting as authentic witnesses to faith through their professionalism, care and dedication. There is a strong sense of community and a culture of welcome in which all are valued, and where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated. This is exemplified through experiences such as Faith Week and Culture and Diversity Week, which promote inclusivity, respect and meaningful multi-faith dialogue. Social justice is a lived reality within the school, particularly through the work of the Empower Group which enables students to respond thoughtfully to local and global injustices.
“Pastoral care is a strength, underpinned by effective systems such as The Haven, which provides a safe, nurturing space supporting students emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
“Leaders and governors demonstrate outstanding passion, authenticity and commitment to the life and mission of the school, ensuring that Catholic life and mission is clearly articulated, embedded and reviewed through all policies and strategic planning.
“The parish priest described the school as ‘Catholic to its core, faith filled and hopeful’. A deep commitment to Catholic social teaching is evident in decision-making, curriculum priorities and the lived experience of the school, promoting solidarity and care for the most vulnerable. Staff speak highly of school leaders and the support they receive.”
Headteacher Marie Lanaghan said: “We are absolutely delighted with this outcome. It reflects the dedication and hard work of the whole school community – our pupils, staff, governors, families and parishes.
“We are incredibly proud that the report captures what St Anthony’s is – a welcoming and inclusive community, with Mercy values at the heart of all that we do. A huge well done to everyone involved!”
The school was inspected by the CSI last month [January 2026] on behalf of the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
For more information about St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy on Thornhill Terrace, visit www.st-anthonys-academy.com
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
ENDS
Photo captions: Students at St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy, recently rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CSI.
Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.