St Austin’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils make good progress from their starting points and reach standards which are often well above those found nationally. Children get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage because activities are well designed and capture their interest.

The numbers of pupils reaching the higher levels at both Key Stages 1 and 2 are higher than nationally. This is an increase on previous years, particularly in writing and mathematics. Teaching over time is good and makes a strong contribution to pupils' achievement.

Well-focused professional development has led to improvements, particularly in the standard of pupils' writing. Relation...ships are strong and this contributes well to pupils' good attitudes to work. Pupils feel safe, are well behaved and show courtesy and respect.

They have a good understanding of how to keep safe. Pupils are provided with a wide range of extra activities beyond the school day, including sports and arts. They learn Spanish and it permeates the school day, with registration and prayer often heard in Spanish.

The headteachers have created a united and effective team of staff and governors who are fully committed to the vision for continued improvement. Leadership at all levels has been strengthened, leading to improvements for pupils. Governors use their skills well to support and challenge the leaders of the school.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : There is not yet enough outstanding teaching to improve pupils' achievement even more. Marking does not always give pupils enough guidance on how to improve and pupils do not always have time to reflect on any guidance given. The progress of some pupils slows because : learning support assistants are not always involved in supporting pupils' learning in all parts of a lesson.

Opportunities to practise mathematical skills in subjects other than mathematics are too few.

Information about this school

St Austin's Catholic Primary is larger than the average sized primary school. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

A small number of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and a very small proportion speaks English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also above average.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, including those known to be eligible for free school meals, is below the national 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 are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6.

The leadership of the school is composed of a headship team of two headteachers (one full time and one 0.6 of a full-time post). In January 2013, the school appointed two assistant headteachers.