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Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Good overall in its latest Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection.
Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Good by inspectors following their visit in November 2024.
Headteacher Mrs Boyce said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our CSI. Having the quality of provision for Catholic Life and Mission and the leadership of Religious Education recognised as being outstanding is wonderful. Our pupils thrive here at Saint Benedict as a result of our school values and the dedication of staff and the CSI report captures this beautifully.”
Inspectors said that the Catholic life and mission of Saint Benedict CVA was known and lived through the school’s values of love, knowledge, integrity and belief.
“Students at Saint Benedict thrive within a strong community ethos and actively embrace the school’s identity in its everyday actions. The values of love, integrity and knowledge are embedded in school culture, shaping the character and development of every student and guiding daily interactions, which support the holistic growth of every student,” the report said.
Inspectors added: “Every student is made to feel valued and that they fully belong within the school through its truly inclusive nature. This forms the basis of the excellent pastoral care and dedication shown by leaders, teachers and support staff.”
The strong culture of diversity was highlighted by inspectors who said: “Leaders have the importance of community at the heart of their decision making and inclusion is considered in all areas of school.”
Leadership in religious education was described as “reflective and proactive” in seeking interventions to help all students flourish. Inspectors praised governors, saying they are highly skilled and actively engaged in the whole life of the school.
Inspectors said that a “profound sense of community” was evident within the school, reflected in the quality of relationships throughout.
“This supportive and loving environment embodies an unwavering commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of the school community. Pastoral care at Saint Benedict is exemplary and stands as a cornerstone of the school’s identity,” inspectors said.
Staff at all levels demonstrate exceptional dedication, consistently going above and beyond to nurture and care for their students, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable, according to the report.
Teaching in religious education was praised and inspectors said that good progress was evident for nearly all students and clear plans were in place to support all to flourish.
“Students are taught by a committed team of teachers who have nurtured good relationships with all those they teach in religious education. Teachers are confident in their subject knowledge,” inspectors said.
An ex-student returned to talk to students about being a production assistant on the new blockbuster film Wicked.
Neil Lwanga, 32, left Saint Benedict in 2012 after studying A-levels in Media, IT, Drama and Sociology.
He was invited back to talk to Performing Arts and Media students about his career which has seen him work in production on The Landscapers, starring Olivia Coleman and films including the Marvels and Wicked.
After school Neil went on to study at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham but then he struggled to find work, picking up jobs in call centres and sales.
In 2020 he gained a place at MAMA Youth Project, a four-month training programme for people from under-represented backgrounds to gain the skills and opportunities for work in the film and TV industry.
A key part of the training was to produce a magazine show for Sky Arts. Neil’s role was to research and pitch guests to producers and during that time he managed to book social media influencer, boxer and musician, KSI.
Once he completed the MAMA Youth project, he became part of their alumni and had a number of calls with production companies about potential opportunities. A month later, he received his first job was as a runner on a HBO series called The Landscapers, starring Olivia Coleman.
After Landscapers he worked on the Marvels as a Set PA trainee in the Assistant Director’s department, after that he went onto do a variety of Floor Runner jobs on various productions from ITV, Apple and Netflix.
In 2022 he received a call to work as a Set PA on Wicked, with the same team from the Marvels, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
A Floor Runner / Set PA’s roles are interchangeable; Set PA is a common term on big budget productions. They are responsible for managing the cast, co-ordinating transport, liaising between departments and resolving any issues.
Neil talked to students about what happened when he got the call for Wicked.
He said: “I had a call for a job, but they withhold details of the project in the first conversation.
“I was informed that it would be with the same team from the Marvels, so I checked in with a mutual colleague to see if they received a call and they told me it was for Wicked. You were required to drive on the job but I didn’t have car, but I said I would just make it work and I did.
“Wicked was the longest job I’ve done so far; 12 hour days, including some weekends over eight months. It was filmed across Sky Studios and a backlot in Invinghoe. The Invinghoe shoots invited several drones flying over, operated by paparazzi, trying to get shots while filming was taking place.
“I met Cynthia and Ariana; it took Cynthia four hours in make up as she was green and they also had to cover up Ariana’s tattoos. It’s really interesting to see how a film is put together. They had to film songs in segments of verses, they had to sing to a specific bar and then stop. It’s mind blowing really.
“I had a horn which I had to sound when filming was due to start so that the construction crew stopped working and were quiet. I met the Director, John Chu. and I like to thank that me talking to him about things other than work gave him a chance to escape. He’s a really nice man.
“I had a photo taken with Ariana on a night shoot when she had some friends come in. We were around the trailers and she took the photos on her personal phone. I had to wait for the right moment to ask her to Air Drop the photos! She’s the nicest actor I’ve ever worked with and just to see what she’s achieved is amazing, it’s something she wanted over 10 years ago and now she’s living her dream.”
Anna West, Director of Learning Performing and Creative Arts at Saint Benedict, said: “What an inspiring afternoon our students had. They learnt so much about the film industry, working with superstars, the importance of being true to yourself, always having integrity, surrounding yourself with good people and never giving up. It would be hard to find a more powerful and positive message for our students as they begin to consider their future. It was also the most wonderful moment as a teacher to have a past student come back and inspire a new generation. It’s moments like this that make this job so utterly worthwhile.”
Neil with Ariana Grande, on set and with Director John Chu.
New science block opens
A new multi-million pound science block has opened at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy.
The block has been built on the tennis courts at the front of north block on the school site in Duffield Road.
The building is a venture between the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and Derby City Council, to support Derby with a surge in the population of children going into Year 7 this year and last year.
The school has also been selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme and is waiting for more detail in terms of timescales and what this will entail.
Previously, science classrooms at Saint Benedict were spread out across the school site and Headteacher, Mrs Boyce, said the new block was a fantastic addition.
She said: “The new science block is incredible and a much-needed improvement at Saint Benedict. To have the whole department all together, under one roof is a dream come true.
“The benefit to our pupils is going to be immense and their delight at the new block is a joy to behold! The innovative design of the building coupled with the wide expanse of glass in all the labs makes it a beautiful environment in which to learn. We would encourage parents and children who are moving into Year 7 next year to come along and see the new block for themselves at our open evening on Thursday, September 26th.”
Dr Mistry, Director of Learning, Science at Saint Benedict, said: “At last, the science department is together in our new science block! M block contains 12 bespoke laboratories, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard, and specialist prep rooms, this move will ensure that the science teachers are able to deliver the already robust curriculum in new and innovative ways.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer at St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see this new building at Saint Benedict and we know that it is a welcome boost for staff and pupils. We hope that this is just the start of an exciting new chapter for Saint Benedict after the school was also selected to be part of the Government’s School Rebuilding programme.”
Students celebrate GCSE results
Almost 70 per cent of pupils at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy achieved a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English.
Headteacher Hazel Boyce said: “We are delighted with our GCSE results. Our pupils have done us proud! These results reflect the many hours of hard work and dedication from our pupils and staff.
“Almost 70% of our pupils have secured a grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English making today’s results the very best we have had in recent years.
“Results are strong across all subjects and particularly so in Science, Food, Drama, Art, Polish and Business Studies. More than three quarters of our cohort have secured grades to allow them to access Level 3 qualifications which is a phenomenal success. There is much to celebrate!”
Rose Lynn Macrae achieved grades ranging from 6-9, including 9s in Chemistry and Maths.
She said: I was just trying to count all of the grades when I opened the envelope. I’m staying at Saint Benedict Sixth Form to study Chemistry, Maths and Physics and possibly Further Maths. After that I want to apply for an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce. I just think it looks interesting.”
Victoria Wodzinska achieved grades ranging from 4 to 8 and is planning on going to college.
She said: “I’m going to study Criminology, Chemistry and Biology. When I opened my results I felt much better than before I got them. I was ok after my exams but I was a bit worried about maths.”
Sixth formers celebrate A-level results
Sixth formers have been celebrating their A-level results today.
William Ralphs, 18, is thrilled after he achieved an A in Biology, and Bs in Chemistry and Geography. He is planning on studying Biology at university.
He said: “I got quite low grades in my mocks. In my actual exams I thought they went well and I really did put the work in. When I came out of the exams and started to speak to people, they thought they went well as well. I had read some stories about grade boundaries being high so I didn’t really know what to expect, I expected the worst but hoped for the best. I knew I had been accepted on the university course before I got my grades and when I found out my grades I was really pleased.”
Alicia Ward, 18, achieved Merits in Applied Science and Applied Business and a Distinction* in Media. She is now applying for apprenticeships in Marketing.
She said: “I wasn’t feeling very confident about my results, especially in my business and science as I felt like I struggled in those subjects. I wasn’t expecting to get what I did, I was shaking when I opened my results. I’m looking at apprenticeships and having interviews.”
Sofia Baxendale-Baines achieved A*s in Art and Design and Spanish and a C in History. She is going on to do a foundation year at Loughborough before applying for a Fine Art course in Salamanca in Spain.
The 18-year-old’s mum is Spanish and she has family in Spain and part of the reason she wants to study out there is to reconnect with her roots.
She said: “I’ve always lived in England but I have dual heritage. I want to study in Salamanca because the course is amazing but I also want to reconnect with my roots. My mum is really happy that I will hopefully be going to study in Spain. I was really stressed before I got my results and I was really happy with my A*s. I did manage to switch off over the summer but the last few days have been torture!”
Louis Davie, 17, achieved A*s in Maths, Physics and Chemistry and is going to the University of Oxford to study Chemistry.
He said: “I’m over the moon. I had two interviews for Oxford, I applied there because I wanted to aim high. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I definitely want to work in something to do with science, I’d love to work in a lab that would be cool. I had managed to forget about things over the summer but started to feel really nervous yesterday and I was up at 6.30am. I logged on to UCAS at 8.01am and when I knew I was in Oxford I was very happy, it was such a relief.”
Erin Mead, 18, got the grades she needed to study Physiotherapy at the University of Leicester.
She said: “We were on holiday until yesterday and that’s when it hit me a bit. I’m really pleased to get into university to study Physiotherapy.”
Jen Allen, 18, secured a place at her first choice, the University of Liverpool, to study Hispanic Studies.
She said: “I was really relieved when I logged into UCAS and got the message to say I had been accepted. Some of my friends also got in to Liverpool and I can’t wait to go there.”
Jasmine Tirol, 18, achieved As in Maths, Biology and Art and Design and is off to study Architecture at university.
She said: “I logged on to UCAS at 7am and just stayed logged on. At 8am I found out that I had been accepted at university and I was just screaming and jumping up and down. I was really surprised by my grades, I didn’t expect to get 3 As.”
Mrs Peden, Head of Sixth Form, said: “I am so proud of our Year 13s and everything they have achieved today. It has been a culmination of two years of hard work in the context of an unsettled secondary journey with the pandemic. Every student who wanted to go on to university has earned their place on their desired courses, and students who have aspired to Degree Apprenticeships have confirmed places for September. The students who choose to come to us for Sixth Form are incredible and today has been the best end to a long journey. It has been a privilege to work with this year group and we will miss them so much.”
Mrs Boyce, Headteacher, said: “We are pleased with our results this year, which are up from last year’s. Once again, they reflect the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff.
“A number of subjects have secured outstanding result for their pupils including Media, Art and Design, Spanish, PE and Drama
A student won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech about how she coped with her mother passing away.
Fifteen-year-old Matilda Kitenge, who is a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, lost her mum when she was in Year 6 at primary school.
The 15-year-old (pictured right) won Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city.
Matilda said: “I really struggled to talk about losing my mum in Years 7 and 8 as I was angry and I was quite moody but I feel like it made me stronger and I wanted to share why I am so strong now. She’s my inspiration and I think she would be proud of me.”
Matilda is a strong advocate for youth voice and said that young people should not be afraid to speak out.
She said: “I think people are too embarrassed and scared to speak out because other’s opinions are at the back of everyone’s minds. I would tell them to let go of the fear of what other people think because we only live once.”
Matilda aims high in school and even has aspirations of becoming a future Prime Minister.
Teacher Daniel Thornhill, who is Matilda’s Head of Year, said: “Matilda is a student whom I see as one with a great future ahead of her. Without a doubt, she has lived out the message of her speech and she serves as an inspiration to others. I feel immensely privileged to have been there to witness it, and I am immensely proud to be her Head of Year.”
Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition is run by Derby City Council. Students work with the Lost Boys Theatre company who deliver workshops and offer advice ahead of the final.
Matilda and other students from across the city made it to the final after delivering speeches in front of their peers and they then performed in front a panel.
Saint Benedict CVA and Matilda’s family and friends are immensely proud of her, but the school is no stranger to taking this trophy home, as this is the 6th victory out of the 10 years that the competition has been running.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, said: “We are delighted that a pupil from Saint Benedict has once again won this prestigious competition.
“The bravery and confidence with which Matilda spoke was incredible she is such a force for good! We are all incredibly proud of Matilda and know she will go forward in life, setting the world on fire.”
A Year 11 student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy has been appointed as Derby’s new Youth Mayor.
Sam Thiruvathilil, 16, said he was thrilled to win the vote and hopes to make a real difference during his one-year tenure.
The teenager heard about the opportunity to become Derby’s Youth Mayor at school and decided to submit an application.
He had to outline three areas in which he wanted to make an impact and he said they were mental health, job opportunities and advocating for the rights of young people.
Sam was invited to give a speech in front of Derby’s Youth Council and councillors and this was recorded and sent to schools across Derby, along with three other candidates. Students across the city were then asked to vote and Sam came out on top.
He said: “I was really pleased when I found out I’d won the vote. As part of the role I have to attend Derby City Council cabinet meetings, there will be meetings with the people in charge of services for children in the city and I also have to assist the Mayor. There will also be lots of events where I will be representing young people.
“The three main areas I would like to focus on are improving job opportunities for young people in the city, mental health and advocating for young people’s rights in schools. I will be looking to make small changes which will hopefully all lead to bigger changes.”
Sam officially starts his new role in May and will be supported by a Deputy Youth Mayor.
He said: “A lot of my time is taken up with council meetings and it will depend on how much I can take on but I’m focused and determined and I’m looking forward to it.”
Mrs Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, congratulated Sam on his achievement.
She said: “We are thrilled Sam has been elected as Derby’s Youth Mayor. It is a reflection of his hard work and passion and a very proud moment for Saint Benedict.”
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy are celebrating their GCSE results today.
Mrs Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, said: “We are very pleased with our results and they reflect many hours of hard work from our students and staff.
“60% of students achieved maths and English at grade 4 or above which matches our 2019 results.
“Results in Science, History, Music, Dance, Engineering, Food and Business Studies are also extremely strong.
“Three quarters of all students are able to access Level 3 qualifications as a result of their achievements today. This is a phenomenal success.”
Franco Afriyie achieved grades ranging from 4 to 5.
He said: “I didn’t feel very confident after my exams and I was worried that I hadn’t passed some of them. I am pleased to pass English Literature and Language and this means I can go on to do what I want to do next.”
Anna Quince-Fleming achieved grades ranging from 7 to 9.
She said: “I thought my exams went well but last night I felt really nervous.”
Anna is going on to study Geography, Media and English Combined at Saint Benedict.
Matthew Mosley achieved grades ranging from 7 to 9.
He said: “I thought my exams went well but not this well. I’m really happy with my results.”
Matthew is staying at Saint Benedict to study Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Manjott Basram achieved 9s, 8s and a 7.
She said: “I felt so nervous today as some of my exams were really hard. I felt sick this morning. I am just relieved and shocked.”
Manjott is staying at Saint Benedict to study Chemistry, Biology and English Literature and would like to study Dentistry at university.
At the beginning of Year 11 Brooke was diagnosed with ADHD and despite all of the challenges she has faced, she secured 5s in all of her subjects.
These fantastic grades mean that Brooke will be able to move on to the next exciting stage of her life. Well done Brooke!
Students at Saint Benedict are celebrating their A-level results today.
Mrs Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, congratulated everyone on their results.
She said: “We have seen an increase in the number of A*-B grades compared to the results of 2019, which was the last cohort to sit full examinations. Results in Chemistry, English, Sociology and History are particularly strong. Our students have performed exceedingly well in vocational subjects with 80 per cent of all students being awarded a Distinction. We would like to congratulate all of our students and thank the staff who have supported them. We wish everyone the very best for the future.”
Mrs Peden, Head of Sixth Form at Saint Benedict, said everyone should feel proud of what they have achieved.
She said: “As a team, we are so proud of our Year 13s and everything they have achieved today. Across the board – in A-Levels, Applied and Technical courses – students have exceeded our expectations, with many moving forwards onto Higher Education or Degree Apprenticeships. It has been a tough road for this cohort, considering the picture of the last two years, but they have shown consistent resilience and drive to achieve their dreams and be who God meant them to be. I’m so happy for all of them. This has been a very special year group to lead – we are going to miss them so much.”
Maisie Litherland, 18, achieved an A* in Religious Studies and As in History and English Literature. She is off to the University of Warwick to study History.
She said: “I logged on to UCAS before I came in but I couldn’t get in so I was in limbo until I got the email to say I had been accepted at Warwick.
“It was such a relief and when I saw my results I literally wanted to cry. I think as a cohort we have all been through so much as we didn’t sit our GCSEs. These were the first formal exams that we have sat since SATs so I think everyone has done amazingly well.”
Tabitha White, 18, will be going on to study Film at Falmouth University after achieving Bs in Geography and Art and Design and a C in Design Engineering.
She said: “There aren’t many universities that offer Film as a degree and I only applied to two places which is a bit risky. I got the email at 8am to say I’d got into Falmouth which is where I wanted to go.”
Elijah Tumelty, 18, was celebrating three As in Maths, Physics and Computer Science. He is going to the University of Newcastle to study Cybersecurity.
He said: “I got the email at 8am to say that I’d got into uni and I was ecstatic. I was very happy as I needed A, A, B. When I saw that I’d got three As I was very shocked. My mum was with me and she was really happy. I rang my dad and got him out of a meeting and he was happy too.”
Jonah Macrae, 18, achieved an A* in Maths and As in Computer Science and Physics. He is going on to study Computer Science at the University of Nottingham.
He said: “I woke up at 7.30am and when I got the email saying I’d got into uni I was very happy. That took a lot of the pressure off and I didn’t care too much about my results but when I saw them I was really pleased.”
Anum Irfan, 18, is going on to study Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham after achieving Bs in Biology, Chemistry and English Literature.
She said: “I was checking the UCAS website from 8am, constantly refreshing my screen and then I got the email to say I’d got into uni. I felt really relieved, it was very nerve-wracking. I had managed to switch off a bit after the exams but it started to hit me again in August and particularly when I walked into school.”
Christopher Godwin achieved three As in Maths, Physics and Computer Science. He is two weeks into an apprenticeship in Edinburgh with a software engineering firm which creates software for the emergency services.
He said: “I’m really happy with my results. I wanted A, A, A although it didn’t affect what I will do next because I had an unconditional offer. I applied to 40 companies and had the offer from the company in Edinburgh, each application took about two hours so I was really pleased to get the offer. I didn’t want to go to university because of the debt. I’m really enjoying the apprenticeship, it’s good and Edinburgh is a great city.”
Josh O’Dell, 18, (pictured far left) achieved a D in Geography, a C in Biology and a B in Chemistry. He is going to the University of Derby to study Professional Policing.
He said: “I have always wanted to be in the police and I was happy to get what I needed to get onto the course. I knew I had got in before coming to collect my results so that took the pressure off. I woke up at 6.30am and could log on to UCAS at 8am but because there were so many people logging on I didn’t find out until 8.20am that I’d got in.”
