We are delighted that in December 2023, Ofsted inspectors rated La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School 'Outstanding' in all areas. 

Ofsted observed that our school’s steadfast commitment to fostering each pupil’s full potential is clearly reflected in our high expectations, personalised support for individual aspirations and talents, and our dedicated focus on achieving excellent outcomes in public examinations.  Pupils feel ‘happy and safe’ and parents/carers favour our school’s warmth, ensuring our students become ‘confident young women’.

The inspection report highlighted specific areas of strengths:

• La Retraite provides a high-quality and diverse curriculum for all pupils, including those with SEND.  Leaders continuously refine the curriculum to ensure it is broad and ambitious and think carefully about the order in which topics are taught.  

• Behaviour and attitude is outstanding both in and out of lessons, with the school’s commitment to fostering kindness and respect clearly evident in the interactions between pupils.

• Parents and carers speak favourably of the school and appreciate the school’s efforts to see ‘the whole child’.

• The learning environment is highly positive, with no disruptions.  Pupils are proud of their work and respectful to their peers and teachers.

• La Retraite delivers a strong personal development programme, which explores British values, equality of opportunity, online safety, and relationships meaningfully.  This prepares pupils for life in modern Britain.  

• Accurate identification and comprehensive support for pupils with SEND, encompassing in-class and extracurricular activities.  Pupils with SEND achieve well, and many continue into the Sixth Form, sharing high aspirations with their peers.

• Teachers are experts in their subjects, and they build pupils’ confidence through skilled questioning.

• Provision in the Sixth Form is particularly strong, as students engage in a comprehensive enrichment programme, deepening their subject knowledge.

• The school provides an extensive careers programme, which draws on a wide range of industry, businesses and healthcare providers. Pupils benefit from considered guidance and advice, as well as talks and workshops.

Obtaining our third consecutive Outstanding Ofsted judgement is a testimony to the continuation of the hard work of all students, parents and staff, and our determination to achieve the highest standard for everyone.