St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher's ambition to bring about continuous improvements, securing the highest achievement for all pupils, is shared by staff and governors. The quality of teaching over time is outstanding.

Teachers are exceptionally good at setting work at the right level for pupils. As a result, all groups of pupils make good or better progress from their different starting points. By the time pupils leave Year 6, their attainment is exceptionally high in all subjects.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make an excellent start in the school. As a result of strong teaching and support, they make at least good progress by the ...time they enter Key Stage 1. Pupils' progress is tracked effectively to ensure those who are at risk of falling behind in their learning are quickly identified for additional support.

As a result, these pupils, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, make progress similar to that of their peers. Teaching assistants are highly skilled and work effectively with teachers to bring about the best possible outcomes for pupils. The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural develop is a strength which permeates every aspect of the school.

The school's mission statement, 'Love, respect, honesty and understanding', underpins the school's work. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary, both in lessons and around the school, and they have a strong appetite for learning. The school works tirelessly to ensure all pupils are safe at school.

Parents are highly positive about the school. All of those who responded to the online questionnaire (Parent View) would recommend the school to another parent. Staff and parents show strong support for leadership, and the morale in the school is extremely high.

The governors are very passionate about the school. They are highly effective in supporting the school and holding senior leaders to account for the work that they do.

Information about this school

St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School is larger than the average-sized primary school.

Pupils come from a wide range of ethnic groups, with the largest group having a White British background. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is well above average.

The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is below average. This is additional government funding. It gives additional support to those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and to children who are 'looked after'.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported by school action is well below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. The school is a 'knowledge centre' for special educational needs and provides training and development for schools in the borough.

It is also a 'knowledge centre' for sport, providing sporting activities for pupils in the borough. The school runs a Polish school on a Saturday, a breakfast club and many after-school clubs. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.