RISE RISE
& EVENTS
From the Summer term at Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi-Academy
AFarewellfromourCEO
With the school year drawing to a close, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the growth, challenges, and successeswe’veshared-andwhat’sstilltocome.
As we approach the end of another academic year, it is natural to reflect upon the year that has passed, along with the successes and challenges that we met along the way. For me, this year holds a personal element of reflection, as it marks my final year as part of the Our Lady of the Magnificat family before I take up my new post at Reach South at the beginning of September Over the last four and a half years, I have been fortunate to work with some of the most incredible professionals across our multiacademy both staff and volunteers working in all areas from education to governance, finance to site teams. Regardless of role or area of responsibility, we have all been united by the same ambition: to transform the lives of the pupils within our care. This unrelenting sense of servant leadership is what I believe makes Our Lady of the Magnificat unique.
There have been many achievements throughout the last four and a half years certainly too many to recount here but when we talk about ‘success’ in education, it is all too easy to turn to frameworks like Ofsted and performance tables. The Ofsted journey for many of our schools has been a challenging, stressful, and emotional one, which has often seen staff go above and beyond. Navigating curriculum plans, assessment windows, reporting to governors, and round-table reviews have been just some of the many waypoints along the path The outcome for our school communities has been remarkable, with over 97% of all Ofsted and CSI inspections graded ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Although we should be rightly proud of the substantial successes achieved in both Ofsted and CSI, these measures only tell a fraction of the story of our school communities.
As faith communities dedicated to Catholic education, real success can be witnessed in the people and the relationships within these communities Each year, we have completed RISE reviews across our schools and listened to staff reflect upon celebrations and areas for development But the enduring memory for me will be the sense of joy and dedication found in each of our schools. A call to work in an educational setting is better described as a vocation rather than simply a ‘job’, and seeing first-hand how our staff live out that vocation with joy has been a genuine honour and a memory I will treasure
The next academic year will no doubt bring much change as we prepare to join one of the larger CMATs. But we go into it having been formed as Pilgrims of Hope. As we look back on our journey of change and growth, we know that our school communities will bring a wealth of experience and confidence to the new CMAT, and it will be for our schools to help shape and deliver the wider Archdiocesan strategy. Our name might change, even our logos and signage but we will still be united in the same mission and purpose that has always guided us on our journey of servant leadership: to ensure that our pupils have life, and have it to the full
Thank you
Mr T Leverage
SunshineandSuccessat theMagnificatSportsDay
On a glorious summer’s day, with the sun shining high over Trinity Catholic School’s playing fields, pupils from all 19 schools across The Magnificat came together for an unforgettable Magnificat Sports Day
Students laced up their trainers, donned their school colours, and gave it their all on the track and field
Despite the soaring temperatures, our young athletes pushed through the heat with resilience and determination, in an attempt to secure the Magnificat Sports Day trophy and the honour of making their school proud
The day was filled with moments of effort, encouragement and celebration. It was a joy to watch pupils cheering each other on, showing outstanding sportsmanship, and celebrating not only their own success but the achievements of their peers
We are incredibly proud of the remarkable talent we have across our schools Days like this are a reminder of how much potential lies within our school communities.
A huge thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and supporters who made the day possible, and of course, to the pupils whose energy and enthusiasm brought it all to life.
We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field next year for another brilliant day of competition, unity, and celebration.
GameOnattheMagnificat FootballTournament
Once again, Mrs Rooney from St Thomas More went above and beyond to deliver a truly memorable sporting event for our MAC The annual Magnificat Football Tournament returned in style, bringing together both our primary and secondary schools for a day filled with energy, excitement and community pride
The day couldn’t have been better The sun was shining from start to finish, and the pitches at Studley Sports Centre were alive with movement, laughter and the sound of cheering teams. Pupils from across the MAC arrived ready to give their all, and they didn’t disappoint From the very first whistle, every team showed determination, teamwork and sportsmanship, making for an unforgettable competition that highlighted the incredible talent we have across our schools
A special shout-out goes to St Bede’s, who not only took part in the secondary competition but also showed outstanding leadership by refereeing the primary school matches. Their maturity, fairness and encouragement made a real impact on the younger players, and it was inspiring to see students stepping up in this way
As the matches progressed and the competition heated up, it became clear that The Augustines were on top form this year Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School stormed to victory in the secondary competition, with a confident and well-earned win Meanwhile, St Augustine’s Primary School showed brilliant skill and teamwork to take home the trophy in the primary tournament. A double win for the Augustine name and what a proud moment for both schools!
Congratulations to all of the teams who took part Whether you made it to the final or not, your commitment and spirit were second to none Every player, teacher and supporter contributed to a day we’ll all remember Roll on next year!
RISEAwardWinners2025
Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence across the MAC
Beth Robinson - St Augustine’s Catholic High School
Beth treats all students with dignity and respect in her role as Assistant Head of Year. She has to deal with tthe most vulnerable students, and always treats them with respect, kindness and compassion She is an asset to our school.
Natalia Dominguez-Garcia - Trinity Catholic School
Natalia has at all times displayed a commitment to the dignity of humanity in her support of all our students on the Emmaus programme. Her work has given every child a better chance of a successful life within the UK and without her support and her guidance, none of the students would have the chance to thrive and become active, engaging citizens through her preparation for their adulthood. Natalia underpins the value of respect in everything she does at TCS
Louise Middleditch and Nicki Bayliss - St Mary’s Broadway/Evesham
Both Louise and Nicki are consistently honest, incredibly hard working and completely loyal to both schools and to Catholic Education as a whole Both school communities – pupils, parents, families and staff hold them in very high regard and look upon them as ‘principals’, a role they happily carry out, alongside their busy class teaching roles Additionally, they support the wider Academy in many ways, being active leaders and participants in all they do.
Christopher Butler - Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School
Chris commenced his post of Site Manager at Our Lady's in September 2024. He undertakes this role in addition to his site responsibilities at St Gregory's Chris is incredibly dedicated, hardworking and prides himself on fulfilling his role to the highest standards. He starts work every morning at 05:45am, to ensure the school is ready and well-prepared for the children starting school His service to Our Lady of the Magnificat, through his site roles at both Our Lady's and St. Gregory's, is exceptional. We're so grateful for his reliability and enthusiasm
Georgie O'Gara - St Benedict’s Catholic High School
Georgie has lived out the aspirations of the late Pope Francis in this Year of Jubilee She has relentlessly exhibited a passion for the theme of pilgrimage which culminated in determinedly driving forward our first trip to Lourdes She motivated nine pupils and two other staff members to join her vision and all returned spiritually fulfilled She embodies the value of service everyday in the workplace and we are extremely blessed to have her as a member of staff at St Benedict's.
Virginia Warrender - St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
What truly sets Virginia apart is the strong, respectful, and nurturing relationships she has built with her pupils She fosters an environment of trust and encouragement, enabling each child to feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their best Her influence extends far beyond the classroom; she equips her pupils with the tools they need to thrive in their educational journey and beyond Virginia exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated educator, and she is truly deserving of recognition through the RISE Award spreadsheets that we use in school We cannot thank her enough Her service to the Magnificat is incredible!
Genevieve Jordan - St Marie’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery
Since taking on her role in January 2024, Genevieve has significantly transformed SEND provisions within our school, creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive During our recent Ofsted inspection, SEND was highlighted as a particular strength, thanks to Genevieve's innovative strategies and unwavering commitment Her efforts have also been noted by staff, parents, and the School Improvement Team, who have all recognised the positive impact of her work on the school community.
OfstedandCSISuccess
OfstedApplaudsOurSchools
The past few weeks have been a challenging yet admirable period for our schools as they navigated the pressures of Ofsted and CSI inspections. Throughout this time, staff and pupils demonstrated resilience and commitment, proving just how deserving they are of recognition for their hard work
St Augustine’s Kenilworth underwent an ungraded Ofsted inspection, which resulted in a very positive outcome Similarly, St Gregory’s received an ungraded inspection with encouraging feedback, highlighting the strong progress being made.
In addition, St Marie’s, Our Lady and St Teresa’s, and English Martyrs were all rated Good by Ofsted, a testament to the dedication and excellence across these schools These inspections and their outcomes showcase the strength of leadership, teaching, and pupil engagement throughout the MAC We are proud of all the schools for rising to the challenge and delivering outstanding education in their communities.
“All pupils feel safe at St Marie's and are happy and enjoy school.” - Oftsed for St Marie’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery
ProudMomentsinCSISuccess
“The School is highly ambitious for its pupils”Ofsted for St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School
‘”It is a school that staff, parents and pupils are right to be proud of.” - Ofsted for St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Henley
“Pupils develop a genuine love of learning at this high performing school.” - Ofsted for St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
Over the past term, several schools within the Magnificat have proudly demonstrated their commitment to excellence in Catholic education, as reflected in their recent Catholic School Inspections (CSI) and Ofsted visits
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School and Our Lady's Catholic Primary School celebrated outstanding Catholic Schools Inspectorate outcomes, highlighting the strength of Catholic values and community spirit across the our schools
These results are a source of great pride for our schools, showcasing the remarkable work happening across our schools and affirming their deserving recognition
“The dignity of all, staff and students, is evident in the school’s inclusive nature, where all are known and loved ” - Catholic Schools Inspectorate for Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School
“There is a strong sense of belonging to a joyful community.” - Catholic Schools Inspectorate for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First School
“Behaviour across the school is exemplary due to a mutual respect and strong sense of community.”Catholic Schools Inspectorate for St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
Trinity’sBudandBlossomGarden
TouchesHeartsandWinsAwards
We are thrilled for the students and staff at Trinity Catholic School, who have been awarded a Gold Award and a People’s Choice Award at this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC Birmingham.
Their entry, The Bud and Blossom Reflection Garden, was designed by four Year 11 students from the History Research Group The garden was created to mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of World War II, and aimed to build connections between generations, communities, and nature.
The students worked together to create a reflective space filled with meaning The space featured symbolic planting, a reflective pool, and a silver birch tree, which was chosen for its ability to regrow after devastation. Visitors were invited to hang names of loved ones from the branches, making it an emotive and interactive experience, offering a moving tribute to memory and resilience Despite being first-time designers, the students’ garden was described by BBC assessors as “emotive” and “exceptional,” with judges adding:
“The fact that the students aren’t horticultural students shows what a huge achievement this is. You should all be very proud.” Deborah Hayden, who leads the History Research Group at Trinity, said:
“We have been completely overwhelmed by the response. To receive a Gold Award and the People’s Choice Award is beyond anything we could have imagined ”
A wrap-up of this summer term! Summer Term Digest!
TCSFestLightsUpTrinity
Trinity Catholic School ended the year in style with TCS Fest, their annual summer celebration. The festival featured henna, inflatables, a silent disco, photo booth, ice cream, a magic show, and a music stage, among many other exciting activities. It was a fantastic day full of laughter and memories, a perfect way to start Summer!
DayoftheAfricanChild
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School recently hosted the annual Day of the African Child, organised by One World Link and attended by around 500 local pupils. The event featured parades, African singing, drumming, dancing, storytelling, and an ‘African sports day ’ Children made freedom bird crafts and learned about their school’s link with Saint Peter’s in Bo, Sierra Leone. The Lord Mayor of Leamington and the Mayor of Warwickshire also took part in the afternoon’s events.
HealthWeekHighlights
St Mary’s in Henley recently held its annual Health Week, where pupils explored wellbeing through a range of exciting workshops Highlights included energetic sessions with BallSportz and a creative Food Showdown promoting healthy eating From mindfulness to team games, Health Week remains a muchloved part of school life combining fun with positive, lasting messages
SisterAct,StarPerformance
The future of West End theatre was on full display at the National School Theatre Awards, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Tara Robinson, a Year 13 student at Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School, won Best Female Musical Solo for her performance as Delores Van Cartier in Sister Act. We’re so proud of her achievement in receiving such a prestigious and competitive award
Children from St Marie’s and English Martyrs were honoured with a once-ina-lifetime invitation to 10 Downing Street to mark the start of the 100-year UK–Ukraine partnership. They were warmly welcomed by Mr Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, Martin Harris, the British Ambassador to Ukraine, and John Slinger, MP for Rugby. It was a truly memorable day and a proud moment for all involved
As part of their Year of the Environment staff and pupils St Benedict's in Alcester have collaborated to create a sensory garden of reflection. It officially opened at the start of the Summer term and to commemorate the Jubilee year has been deemed the Garden of Hope. A local charity donated a colourful bench and parents have funded plants, including a substantial olive tree as a living memorial for Pope Francis
StBenedict’sServewithFaith andFriendshipinLourdes
A group of Year 12 students from St Benedict’s Catholic High School recently took part in a life-changing pilgrimage to Lourdes, where they dedicated their time to supporting Assisted Pilgrims and deepening their own faith journey through service, reflection, and community.
Throughout the week, the students played an active role in helping around Lourdes They served meals, made beds, cleaned rooms, and accompanied pilgrims to Mass, on shopping trips, and to the iconic lake. They also took part in a range of liturgical duties, including offertory processions, banner carrying, assisting priests during services, and even joining the beautiful candlelit Light Procession, moments they described as both humbling and unforgettable
Outside their service roles, students took every opportunity to embrace the spiritual heart of Lourdes They walked the Stations of the Cross during their free time, attended the International Mass where one student, Romilly, proudly carried the Archdiocese of Birmingham sign, participated in the Gesture of Water (Gest d’eau), visited the Grotto and spring discovered by St Bernadette, and explored the many Basilicas that make Lourdes so sacred and special
The experience also brought new friendships, especially with students from Blessed George Napier School, with whom they travelled The group bonded quickly over card games, open-mic nights at the Riveria Café, and shared music sessions led by fellow students Ben and Bea.
The students expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, thanking the Catenians, the Newport Foundation, and the many dedicated staff members, both within their group and across the wider pilgrimage community, who made the trip possible. This was more than a school trip, it was a powerful experience of faith, service, and fellowship that will stay with these young people for years to come.
SevenSchoolsJoinedForces toRowtoRome
Over six incredible weeks, primary schools across Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi Academy Company came together for an ambitious challenge: to row the equivalent distance from St Benedict’s Catholic High School in Alcester to the Vatican in Rome, a total of 1,960km, in support of Father Hudson’s Caritas Charity
With rowing machines travelling from school to school, pupils and staff alike took up oars and pushed themselves in solidarity with those the charity supports, from families and refugees to children and the elderly across the Archdiocese of Birmingham And what an achievement it was
Across the six-week period, the participating primary schools collectively rowed a phenomenal 1,462km, showing not only great determination and teamwork but a deep commitment to helping others Each kilometre was powered by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference beyond their own communities.
We’re proud to share the final results from the primary schools:
S Gregory's - 292km
Our Lady'- 251km
St.Mary's Henley - 247km
St.Mary's Broadway - 243km
St.Mary's Evesham - 216km
St.Mary's Studley - 213km
Every single participant, whether they rowed one kilometre or many, played a vital part in this impressive collective effort. The energy, enthusiasm and spirit of community that filled each school during their rowing week was truly inspiring
The final 490km were completed at St Benedict’s, where secondary students took on the challenge of bringing the total to 1,960km, finishing the journey to Rome with strength and solidarity
This initiative not only raised funds for Father Hudson’s Caritas, but it also lived out the MAC’s values of compassion, unity and faith in action. Through every stroke, pupils were reminded of the importance of service, charity and working together for the common good
To all the schools, pupils, staff and sponsors who made this challenge a success, thank you. You didn’t just row to Rome. You rowed with heart and made us all proud
AThankyoumessagefromour ChairofDirectors
Asweturnthepagetoanewchapter,wesayafond farewelltoourCEO-amomenttoreflectonhis leadership,hislegacyandthejourneywe’veshared.
As we approach the end of this academic year, I wish to offer our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all who leave us this year and in particular to Mr Tom Leverage as he prepares to take up his new post as CEO of Reach South Multi Academy Trust in September 2025
Tom has been CEO of Our Lady of the Magnificat Multi- Academy Company since September 2021. As our CEO Tom has been the driving force behind our exponential growth In 4 years we have grown from a multi -academy company of 12 schools to 19 schools By building strong teams around him, Tom has ensured we have enjoyed many successes in all of our schools
Tom has always maintained an oversight of all matters related to school improvement and, therefore, can feel rightly proud of the fact that during his tenure as our CEO one of our many successes is the fact that 18 of our schools have been judged to be good or better by OFSTED, and that all 19 of our schools have been judged to be good or better in their Catholic School Inspection Tom can also leave us knowing that he has ensured our finances have always been well managed, that the funding model he has introduced supports our most disadvantaged and vulnerable schools and enables all of our estate to be well cared for. Our schools are welcoming and safe environments for our children and young people to learn and grow in and offer high quality and rich educational experiences to support success for all
One of Tom’s greatest successes is the fact that he leaves our Multi Academy Company with strong Catholic leaders in each of our schools Many of these leaders have been developed internally within our Multi- Academy Company and have benefitted significantly from the in house professional development opportunities set up by Tom and by his commitment to their involvement in EducarM, a national organisation dedicated to the formation of Catholic leaders in all Dioceses across England and Wales
Tom has been a determined, strategic and decisive leader during his time with us and we have benefitted from this .He can leave us secure in the knowledge that his successor has strong foundations to build on and that he has done his best to make us the wonderful family of schools we are.
We wish Tom every success, offer him our thanks for all he has done and congratulate him on his appointment by the DFE to their Advisory Group for Multi Academy trusts – a fitting tribute for his work at Our Lady of the Magnificat.
Thank you, Tom. We wish you well and every blessing in the future.
Thank you
Yvonne Brennan
@OurLadyofMount CarmelCatholicFIrstSchool
Year4pupilsabsolutelywowedtheir audienceswiththeiramazing performanceofLastDayatSchool,a productionthathadeveryone laughingandcryinginequal measure Thepupilsshonewith confidenceonstageandclearly enjoyedeverymomenttheschool communityisincrediblyproudof eachandeveryoneofthem
@OurLadyandStTeresa’s CatholicFirstSchool @St Thomas More Catholic First School
mPupilsatOurLadyandStTeresa's adethemostofthesunshineduring lafantasticdayinLondon,enjoying funchintheparkwithsomefeathered 3riends,awell-earnedicecreaminthe P3°Cheat,andavisittoBuckingham dalace,completewithaspecialguard isplay.
PupilsatStThomasMore celebratedtheirFirstHoly Communion Itwasatrulyspecial celebration,andallthechildren broughtreverenceandjoytheyto theoccasion.
@StMarie’sCatholicPrimary SchoolandNursery
StudentsfromEMRUandSMRUcame togetherforamemorablejointretreat atAltonCastle,sharingmomentsof reflection,faith,andfun.Itwasa wonderfulexampleofspiritual collaborationbetweenthetwoschools, strengtheningfriendshipsand communityinatrulyspecialsetting
@St
StPeter’swasproudtotakepartin thisyear’sBromsgroveCarnival. Thechildrenonthefloatbrought smilesallaround,andthose cheeringfromthestreetshelped createafantasticatmospherefull ofschoolspirit
SOCIAL SNAPSHOT
Thisterm,StBede’sdelighted audienceswiththeirvibrantand energeticperformanceofJoseph andtheAmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat Frompowerfulvocals tolivelychoreography,thecast gaveittheirall,impressing everyonewiththeirconfidence andenthusiasm.
Fortheirfinaleducationalvisit,Year6 pupilstookontheroleofevacuees, boardingasteamtrainandsteppinginto thepast Theyheardstoriesfromreal-life evacuees,exploredamuseum,tackled fire-fightingactivities,andeven experiencedablackoutinashelter
@StAugustine’sCatholic PrimarySchool
Year2hadaveryspecialvisitor,the MayorofKenilworth,whoshared thefascinatingstoryofQueen ElizabethI’svisittoKenilworth Castleover400yearsago.The childrenwerecaptivatedtolearn abouttheroyalhistoryontheir doorstep.
@StMary’s Catholic Primary School Henley
Class4wowedaudienceswithtwo fantasticperformancesoftheirendof-yearproduction,RobynHood& TheSherwoodHoodies With confidentacting,brilliantsinging, dancing,andplentyoflaughs,pupils impressedstaff,families,andfriends alike
@StMary’sCatholic PrimarySchoolStudley
Studleywasfullofcolourand creativityaspupilsshowedofftheir Bcrazyhairstylestoraisemoneyfor irminghamChildren’sHospital,a tplaceclosetotheheartsofmanyin heschoolcommunity Therangeofstyleswasamazing,allinsupport ofafantasticcause!
@StPeter’sCatholic First School
@St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
Bede’s Catholic Middle School