St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School, Wigan

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. In recent years, all groups of pupils have made consistently good or outstanding progress from their starting points, attaining standards above the national average, especially in reading and mathematics, by the end of Key Stage 2.

All pupils enjoy reading and are using this to improve their writing, especially in Years 5 and 6. Teaching is never less than good and is often outstanding, especially in Key Stage 2. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is amazing.

Pupils' behaviour in and out of class is exemplary. There is no bullying and everyone feels safe. Under the inspirational leadership of the head...teacher, the newly formed leadership team and governors work extremely well together to foster exceptionally high morale, as well as a clear mission and sense of direction for the school.

Staff are passionate about their school and want to ensure an even greater proportion of outstanding teaching by sharing the best practices already within the school. Parents are full of praise for what the school provides for their children. Governors are extremely knowledgeable about the school because they visit frequently and report on their findings.

The headteacher and her staff are providing excellent support to other local schools.

Information about this school

St Aidan's is larger than the average-sized primary school. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage and the proportion from minority ethnic backgrounds is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported through school action is below average, as is that of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium funding is below average. The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families, and children who are looked after by the local authority.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There have been recent changes to increase the size of the school's leadership structure to include two assistant headteachers. There is a Child Care Club on the site, which is subject to separate inspection arrangements, but is now newly managed by the school's governing body.

Breakfast and after-school clubs are provided at the Child Care Club. The school is part of the WOWS (With Others We Succeed) partnership of 17 primary schools and one special school. The headteacher provides support three days per week at a local primary school, as an acting headteacher.