St Bega’s Catholic Primary School, Hartlepool

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The school motto, 'Care, Courtesy, Concern', is alive in all aspects of school life. The headteacher has built a highly cohesive senior team, which leads the school with striking effectiveness.

The team, ably supported by an excellent governing body, has ensured that all pupils receive an outstanding education. The systems in school to support individuals are first class. As soon as teachers spot that a pupil is struggling, either with school or an aspect of learning, individualised programmes are put into place to support them.

These are highly effective. As a result, any gaps in the standards reached by different groups of pupi...ls by the end of Year 6 are eradicated. Pupils with disabilities and those who have special educational needs make outstanding progress, and the standards disadvantaged pupils reach are the same as those of their peers.

Standards reached by the end of Year 6 are above average in reading, writing and mathematics. This represents outstanding progress from pupils' starting points. The quality of teaching is outstanding.

Much is inspirational. Teachers have high expectations of all of their pupils. However, leaders recognise that the role of teaching assistants could be further developed to maximise their impact on pupils' achievement.

The teaching of reading, writing and mathematics in lessons across the curriculum is strong. Pupils write at length with accuracy in a range of subjects, and they see mathematical links in different subject areas. The quality of marking and feedback is excellent.

Children make outstanding progress from their starting points in all areas of learning in the early years. This means that, this year, the vast majority of children have the skills they need in reading, writing and mathematics in order to make a good start in Year 1. Behaviour is outstanding.

In lessons, pupils are fully committed to their learning, and when moving around the school they are sensible and thoughtful. Pupils are courteous to staff and to each other. The school's work to keep pupils safe is outstanding.

As a result, pupils feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe.

Information about this school

St Bega's RC Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils, those known to be eligible for the pupil premium, is higher than the national average.

The pupil premium is additional funding the school receives for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is higher than that found nationally. The majority of pupils are White British.

The proportion of pupils who join the school partway through the academic year is higher than usually found. Early years provision is part time in the Nursery and full time in the Reception Year. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year 6.

The school is currently providing support to other schools in the local authority in developing an understanding of assessment. It is contributing computing support via a specialist leader of education to the Hartlepool Teaching Schools Alliance. The school has the following awards, among others: Skipping School Gold Award; Golden Apple Award.