St Columba’s School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

St Columba's is a good school. To be outstanding the quality of teaching needs to be better than good overall, and more pupils need to reach the higher levels in mathematics by the time they leave school. All pupils, parents and carers who gave their views about the school were extremely positive.

Good achievement has been sustained since the previous inspection. From starting points that are generally below those expected for their age, pupils make good progress throughout the school leading to average levels of attainment in mathematics and above average in English when they leave Year 6. Teaching is good overall.

Most lessons have good pace and challenge. Occasionally, pupils are not given ...enough independence in their learning and marking is not consistent across all subjects and year groups. Behaviour and safety is outstanding.

Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and one pupil summed up the views of many by saying they 'loved every single thing they do' in school. The school is an exceptionally strong and caring community which pupils, parents and carers, and staff value highly. Pupils feel strongly that they feel very safe in school and learn how to stay safe in their local community and this is reflected in parents' and carers' comments.

Pupils' enjoyment of school is reflected in above average attendance. The headteacher and leaders and managers at all levels, including the governing body, are deeply committed and relentless in their desire to improve the school. With new initiatives, they aim to provide opportunities for pupils to reach their full academic potential while becoming responsible members of their school and wider community, although these are not yet embedded.

With a focus on teaching and learning, performance management is used effectively to address and improve satisfactory teaching. The curriculum provides opportunities to develop basic skills and there is outstanding provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Information about the school

St Columba's is a smaller than average size primary school.

The great majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below the national average. The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average.

The school exceeds the government's current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. Since the previous inspection there have been changes in staffing, including a new headteacher. The school has achieved Sports Activemark, Healthy School status and International School Award.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms