Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The consistently high level of pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics means that each year they leave the school with standards that are well above the national average.

All groups of pupils, including the most able, those eligible for the pupil premium, the disabled and those who have special educational needs, make well-above average progress. The spiritual life of the school is at the heart of its success. It gives pupils a clear sense of right and wrong, respect for the beliefs of others and a sense of wonder at the world.

Teachers' knowledge of every pupil in their class is excellent and they have the highes...t expectations of them. Teachers provide work for pupils that is exactly matched to their learning needs. This includes a high level of challenge for the most able.

Pupils who speak English as an additional language make very rapid progress in all their subjects and achieve standards at the same high level as other pupils. Pupils make an outstanding start to their education in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Pupils who are particularly gifted in academic subjects or who have sporting, artistic or other talents are given every opportunity to excel in their area of expertise.

The high quality of leadership from the headteacher and her leadership team has driven improvements year on year in achievement and the quality of teaching. The governing body has very ably supported the headteacher in promoting the highest expectations of staff and pupils. Leaders' impressive skills of raising achievement and improving teaching are not widely shared outside the school.

The pupils show a love of learning in all their lessons and are eager to share their interests and their discoveries with staff, parents and visitors and with other pupils. The behaviour of pupils is outstanding throughout the school. They quickly learn to manage their own behaviour and are very aware of their own and others' safety.

They show great courtesy towards their teachers and each other.

Information about this school

Sacred Heart is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above the national average and nearly a half of pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above the national average. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium (which provides additional funding for pupils in local authority care, those known to be eligible for free school meals and others) is below average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. The number of pupils on roll has considerably increased over the last year and many pupils have joined in the middle of the school year.

The school runs a breakfast club on the premises. The headteacher also acts as executive headteacher for another school in the local diocese. She is also a local leader of education.

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