A boys' school where "everyone counts" has been rated 'outstanding' and one others can learn from.

Newman Catholic College, in Harlesden Road, received the top grade from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate following an inspection in March.

The boys' school was also rated 'outstanding' at its previous denominational inspection in 2017 under headteacher Danny Coyle, who has since been replaced by Andrew Dunne.

The report, published on April 15, rated the college as 'outstanding' in its three categories of Catholic life and mission, Religious education and collective worship.

Inspectors said the school was "very welcoming" with a "generous spirit of hospitality, especially to the most vulnerable" and is "well led".

They wrote that the school motto, ‘Everyone counts; everyone contributes; everyone succeeds’, is known and "well understood by students".

Inspectors highlighted Newman Catholic College's status as a ‘School of Sanctuary’, which provides for students who have arrived as refugees, "demonstrating the school’s commitment to welcoming the stranger".

The report said: "It clearly lives out its mission as a Catholic school serving the needs of all.

"This school not only effectively teaches about Catholic social teaching, but it also lives it, providing witness to Gospel values; other Catholic schools should consider visiting to see this in action."

The report said students make outstanding progress in RE, achieving above average attainment in GCSE compared with other core subjects, and teachers have "high expectations" of them.

Inspectors said prayer is also important and pupils have access to a chapel inside the school.

But they stressed the fact that the school respected other beliefs, writing: "The school has a highly developed sensitivity to the fact that not all students are Catholic; as a result, students of other faiths and none are invited to participate in prayer and liturgy in a way that respects their beliefs."

"For example, some students join in parts of the school prayer but refrain from saying parts that do not align with their tradition."

Among points for improvement, inspectors said the school could develop "more opportunities to stretch and challenge" pupils in lessons by getting them to discuss points more.

They said the school buildings "are not fit for purpose" and that staff could "continue to explore ways to enhance the physical buildings to match the aspirations and achievements of the pupils".