St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. The school is a happy, friendly place where staff and pupils interact harmoniously and where pupils are known as individuals.

It is not yet an outstanding school because teaching and the use of assessment are good, as opposed to outstanding. Relative weaknesses in the attainment of those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, those for whom English is an additional language, and disabled pupils and those with special educational needs mean that their achievement, particularly in mathematics, is less strong than that of other pupils in the school. Pupils enter the Nursery with skills above the levels expected for their age.

They make good progress across the E...arly Years Foundation Stage and enter Key Stage 1 with skills well above expected the expected levels. Attainment is well-above average at the end of Key Stage 2, with the proportion of pupils reaching above-average levels well above the norm. Behaviour in lessons and around the school is exceptional.

Pupils are extremely polite and considerate and the school's systems for managing behaviour are good. Pupils have very few concerns about bullying because they say it is rare and is dealt with effectively. Teaching is good, although there is some variability between and across years, and with some outstanding and satisfactory teaching; overall, pupils make good progress throughout the school.

Marking is generally good and pupils are guided well, particularly in English, but some individual target setting is inconsistent and some pupils are not always fully aware of how to make improvements. Leaders and managers monitor teaching well. They provide useful feedback to teachers, which has resulted in individual teachers' performance improving and teaching that is good overall.

Most parents, carers, and staff are very supportive of the school; most pupils are very happy to attend.

Information about the school

St Anthony's Catholic Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is above average, as is the percentage of pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is below average. Of these, most relate to specific and moderate learning difficulties or behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

One assistant headteacher took up her role on the leadership team in November 2011. The school is oversubscribed and the number on roll has increased since the last inspection. It is currently undergoing further expansion and building work.

The school has won a number of awards, including Basic Skills Quality Mark and Healthy Schools Award. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There is an after-school club on site which is managed by the governing body.