We are pleased to share with you the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in January 2026. 

Firstly, I would like to thank our entire school community – staff, pupils, governors and families – for their continued support. The report reflects many of the strengths we are proud of at Tickhill St Mary’s. 

Inspectors recognised that our school is a happy, inclusive and nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, valued and able to succeed. They highlighted the strong relationships between staff and pupils, our positive culture of care, and the way pupils are encouraged to take pride in their learning and contribute to school life. We are particularly pleased that safeguarding was judged to be effective, with inspectors noting the strong culture we have created where everyone takes responsibility for keeping children safe. 

There were many other positives identified: 

• Our Early Years provision was judged to be a strength, with children making an excellent start to their education. 

• Pupils achieve well, with outcomes close to or above both local and national averages. 

• Attendance is above the national average, reflecting the strong partnerships we have with families. 

• Pupils’ behaviour is positive overall, and they show pride in their work. 

• Our personal development offer is broad and enriching, with a wide range of clubs and leadership opportunities. 

• Leaders and staff were recognised for putting pupils at the heart of everything they do and for their strong teamwork and commitment. 

This inspection was carried out under Ofsted’s new framework, and we were only the second primary school in Doncaster to be inspected in this way. Unlike previous inspections, which gave a “best fit” judgement such as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, the new framework requires schools to meet every single criterion within each area. 

In the area of curriculum and teaching, the school met or exceeded 7 out of the 8 statements. Inspectors recognised that leaders have designed a broad, ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum and that staff have strong subject knowledge. They also noted that the school has already identified the key area for development: ensuring that classroom teaching is consistently adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, particularly some children with SEND. 

We are confident in the actions we have already taken and the progress being made. Inspectors recognised that leaders have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and next steps, and we welcome the opportunity for a reinspection within the next two years. We are confident that we will be able to demonstrate the full impact of this work. 

We remain incredibly proud of our pupils, who were described as happy, confident and enthusiastic learners who feel they belong and can achieve. This report celebrates the many strengths of our school while also supporting us in continuing to improve. 

You can read the full Ofsted report below or alternatively there is a link to the school's Ofsted webpage.