After a visit in May by inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education -OFSTED, St Michael's School in Barnard Road was placed in the second highest category possible. The school was praised for its positive ethos coupled with good teaching, enabling pupils to make good progress. Inspectors found that lessons made excellent use of time and resources, with good planning and organisation.

Good pupil behaviour, combined with good deployment of support staff, was found to ensure high standards. Provision for pupils' spiritual and moral development was described as excellent.. Head teacher Jonathan Shiels said: 'This is a remarkable report which confirms the high quality of education offered at St Michael's. I am thrilled that the six inspectors recognised the hard work and dedication of the whole school community and I know all will continue to push standards up even higher'.