Bishop Parker Catholic School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils make good progress from Nursery onwards and nearly all groups achieve well.

Attainment in Year 2 has risen to above average. Year 6 pupils' attainment in reading has been above average for the last two years. Although current Year 6 pupils' attainment is at the level expected for their age, these pupils have made good progress from their starting points.

Most teaching supports pupils' progress well. Staff's effective use of methods, resources and interesting topics ensures pupils enjoy their learning. Since the previous inspection, teaching has been adapted to cater more successfully for groups of pupils who require extra support ...to learn well.

Pupils, especially in Key Stage 2, demonstrate positive and mature attitudes. They concentrate fully and work well together with minimal supervision. Their good behaviour and respectful cooperation with staff ensure that activities nearly always run smoothly.

Pupils' enjoyment of school is reflected in their high attendance. Pupils feel very safe in school and are well aware of the potential hazards in their daily life outside school. Leaders and governors have taken swift and successful actions, including through the use of external consultants and training, to raise pupils' achievement, particularly in Key Stage 2.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : More able pupils sometimes do not make the progress of which they are capable when the work they are set is too easy. I

Information about this school

The school is smaller than most primary schools. Pupils come from a number of backgrounds.

Black African and White British pupils form the largest groupings, followed by pupils of Italian heritage. A very few pupils who have just come to the United Kingdom are at an early stage of learning English as an additional language. More pupils than is commonly the case join or leave the school before the end of Year 6.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium, which is additional funding for certain groups such as those known to be eligible for free school meals, is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught in a Nursery unit and one Reception class. The school provides a daily breakfast club. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics.