Kettering faith-based school receives excellence award affirming Bishop Stopford's Christian foundation
A Kettering secondary school has received an excellence award after two glowing school inspections.
Bishop Stopford School was presented with a Peterborough Diocese Church School Excellence Award following the school’s SIAMS inspection this year, as well as its 2025 Ofsted inspection and other wider evidence.
The SIAMS inspection, an additional requirement for a Church of England school, praised leaders and staff for the Christian vision that drives the school’s mission to unlock academic acheivements as well as developing their the spiritual and social sides of their lives.
Headteacher Jill Silverthorne said: “It is wonderful to receive the award in recognition of the ethos which guides all that we do here. I would particularly like to single out our chaplain, Victoria Hutchinson, for the energy and creativity she brings, and to staff and students who daily live out our core values.”
The report found students grew as ‘confident individuals who proudly celebrate their unique gifts and talents’.
Inspectors said: “The sense of belonging is driven by the vision as students and adults treat each other with compassion and kindness. As a result, the school community flourishes as it lives out its Christian values. Spiritual development abounds through carefully planned opportunities to explore spirituality and faith through the curriculum and highly effective chaplaincy. Consequently, students and staff richly experience what faith and spiritual nourishment means to them.”
Commenting on the report, the Diocese said the inspection affirmed the commitment from leaders, staff and governors to Bishop Stopford School’s Christian foundation, adding it is a ‘flourishing Church of England school, reflecting the commitment and endeavours of everyone’.
Archdeacon of Oakham, Rev’d Canon Alison Booker visited the school in Headlands, Kettering to present the award on behalf of the Diocese of Peterborough to staff and students.