The school’s aims are:

• Formation of our young people according to Gospel values
• Fulfilment of the potential of our pupils in all aspects of the curriculum
• The personal, social and spiritual development of our pupils into responsible, generous and caring members of society
• The achievement of all these within a culture of respect and appreciation for the worth and contribution of each member of our school and its wider community.

We therefore place great emphasis on the development of our pupils’ character and resilience as well as their academic achievement and physical, mental and spiritual health, since these are necessary for our pupils to thrive as adults.

• Our Gifted and Talented policy explains that we do not consider students limited or defined by current achievement, and as a result the vast majority of enrichment opportunities are open to all
•  The St Mary’s Award challenges students to participate widely and out of their comfort zone, through performing arts, liturgies, sporting and other competitions, as well as raising money for charity, volunteering to help in the wider community and taking opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Our vision is for pupils to feel safe and supported and to be willing to try something new and to risk failure
• High levels of attendance are valued highly, as without this a pupil is unlikely to benefit fully from the opportunities on offer
• Our PSHEE programme ensures students are prepared for life beyond school, know how to keep themselves safe, and understand fundamental British values. This programme is complemented by assemblies and a variety of careers events
• We believe reading and a wide vocabulary open doors to students whose cultural capital might otherwise be limited. In Key Stage 3 students participate in the Accelerated Reader programme and are rewarded for reading widely
• We know that sometimes the pupils who most need the school to develop their cultural capital are reluctant participators, so we provide as many opportunities as possible that are for all students, at no cost, and on-site.