Local academy’s transformation praised by Catholic Schools Inspectorate

Holy Spirit Catholic Academy in Bootle has received a glowing report after its most recent inspection by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate on behalf of the Archbishop of Liverpool.

The findings of the inspection, which was carried out in June 2023, were overwhelmingly positive, concluding that Holy Spirit is a ‘Good’ school. Inspectors noted that “Christ is at the centre” of the academy and that there is a “palpable culture of welcome for all.”

The inspectorate’s report described in detail the positive, engaged pupils who attend Holy Spirit Catholic Academy. It noted that “pupils are highly engaged in their learning and enthusiastic to share what they know and can do” and that they “seek out ways to be kind to each other.” Warm relationships were said to create a “strong and apparent sense of community” within a “safe and caring haven.”

This report has come after a turbulent few years for Holy Spirit Catholic Academy. After being placed in special measures by Ofsted in 2019, the school experienced a period of unstable leadership which was felt throughout the community.

However, Holy Spirit found stability in 2022 when it joined St Joseph Catholic

Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT) and appointed a new permanent headteacher, Mrs Michelle Forrest. Mrs Forrest was described as a “powerful force for positive change” by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, and SJCMAT was credited with “supporting the school well in providing opportunities for members of staff to develop spiritually.”

“Holy Spirit is transforming!” said Mrs Forrest. “The whole Holy Spirit team is committed to ensuring that every member of our school community thrives and achieves their potential. I firmly believe that we are now in a position to make that happen.”