Diocesan (Section 48) Inspection Report
Section 48 Inspection
Every school in the Diocese of Salford is inspected under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. These inspections evaluate the Catholic life of the school, the provision and quality of collective worship, as well as all areas of RE. This inspection process helps ensure that all Catholic schools continue to develop in order to fulfil their mission of making Christ known. The Section 48 Inspection, therefore, complements Ofsted Inspections, but should be seen as dealing with matters fundamental to the Catholic school which are not inspected by Ofsted.
The Inspection is designed to assist schools in the process of reviewing the Catholic education which they provide, evaluating its content and planning its future development. It enables schools to systematically assess the nature of their Catholic identity and how effectively their pupils benefit from the curriculum and Catholic character of the school. The Catholic school offers an education which is religious in both its context and content. There is no area of its life or curriculum which is not relevant to its Catholic
character. However, because many aspects of school life are subject to review processes by such bodies as Ofsted and the Self-Review and Evaluation of Catholic Education focuses on the following key areas:
- Catholic Life and Mission
- Curriculum Religious Education
- Collective Worship
July 2026
SECTION 48, RE Inspection
We are delighted to share some wonderful news with our school community.
St. Wulstan's has recently completed its Section 48 Religious Education Inspection, and we are extremely proud of the outcome.
The report reflects the exceptional dedication and hard work of everyone who contributes to making our school such a special place.
This success is a true testament to the commitment of our staff, who consistently deliver engaging and meaningful religious education experiences for our pupils. Our Governors have provided invaluable support and strategic direction, ensuring our Catholic values remain at the heart of everything we do.
We must also extend my gratitude to our parents and families, whose partnership and trust enable us to nurture our pupils' spiritual development and character.
Most importantly, our pupils deserve recognition for their enthusiasm, curiosity, and genuine engagement with their learning. Their openness to exploring faith, values, and moral questions has been instrumental in achieving this positive inspection outcome.
This report is not just a validation of what we do—it is a celebration of our entire community working together towards a shared vision.
As we move forward, we remain committed to providing an education that develops the whole child, rooted in our Catholic identity and values.
Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to St. Wulstan's.
Click here to read the most recent Section 48 Inspection Report on the Catholic Life and Religious Education at our school.
