English Martyrs’ RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The headteacher has steadily transformed the school since her appointment. The building and resources have been improved with more changes planned.

Staff morale is high, governance is strong and all work as a team. Achievement and progress are good. Pupils leave school with above average standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

Pupils enjoy learning because teaching is good. Lessons include opportunities to share ideas with others and to learn through practical activities. Behaviour is good and on occasions exemplary.

Pupils are welcoming to visitors and kind to each other. This is a very caring school and pupils feel safe.... The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very strong.

Pupils' understanding of their role in the world and how they can play a part is impressive. More rigorous methods to track pupils' progress and check on teaching have had a positive impact on raising achievement and improving the quality of teaching. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Some teaching still requires improvement to ensure that the pace of learning and challenge for pupils sustains their interest.

The outdoor area for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage is not used effectively to extend learning to the outdoors. A good number of pupils have a beautiful style of handwriting and work is presented very well but this is not consistent throughout the school. The plan to improve the school does not always make it clear how actions are going to impact on attainment and how success is to be measured.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The number of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below average. Only a few are at an early stage of learning to speak English.

The proportion known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional funding provided for the children in local authority care, those from service families and those known to be eligible for free school meals) is below average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is in line with the national average.

Since the previous inspection a new headteacher has been appointed. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The school has achieved many awards in recent years including the Healthy School Award, Bronze Anti-Bullying Award, the Fairtrade Award and the Primary Quality Mark.

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