St Cleopas’ Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders and governors have successfully established a culture of high expectations and high morale. Everyone works hard to fulfil the school's motto, 'Live, laugh, learn'.

Leaders' and governors' accurate view of the school's strengths and weaknesses has enabled them to take swift and decisive action to improve it since the last inspection. The changes that leaders have made to the quality of teaching and learning have had a positive impact on pupils' outcomes, including those of disadvantaged pupils. More pupils than the national average attained at least the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics in the key stage 2 national tests ...in 2018.

Governors ask leaders questions to hold them to account for pupils' outcomes and for their use of the pupil premium funding. However, they do not ask enough about the outcomes of more able pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, especially in subjects other than English and mathematics. Safeguarding is effective.

Pupils feel and are safe in school and their parents and carers agree. Teachers plan lessons that help pupils to learn across a wide range of subjects. On occasion, however, the learning that teachers plan in some subjects does not challenge the most able pupils sufficiently.

When this happens, they make less progress. Subject leaders make an important contribution to teachers' subject knowledge. Nevertheless, leaders of subjects other than English and mathematics do not have a clear enough overview of standards in their subjects to ensure that the most able pupils make strong progress.

Children in the early years make strong progress because of the good teaching they receive. Most achieve a good level of development by the time they start Year 1. Leaders have established effective systems for supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

This helps these pupils to make strong progress towards their individual targets. The curriculum that leaders provide prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain and ensures that they develop well socially, morally, culturally and spiritually.

Information about this school

St Cleopas' is an average-sized primary school.

The school roll is increasing. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average.

Fewer pupils than average have an education, health and care plan. The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. There are fewer pupils than average for whom English is an additional language.

The school has a Nursery class and offers part-time places for 15 hours per week. The school runs a breakfast club and a range of after-school clubs. Since the last inspection, a new headteacher has been appointed.