St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, Sunderland

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher's ambitious vision and outstanding leadership have transformed the school since its previous inspection. She is wholeheartedly supported by highly skilled, dedicated staff and governors who share her ambitions for every child to be the best they can.

Children get off to a flying start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They quickly follow routines and become confident learners who enjoy finding out things for themselves. By the end of Reception they have very good reading, writing and number skills.

Pupils make excellent progress, regardless of their starting points, because they are eager to learn and work hard..., and their teachers make sure they find success in every lesson. By the end of Year 6 pupils exceed the national average in English and mathematics; standards in reading are exceptionally high. Teaching is outstanding.

Teachers and teaching assistants work at a high level to meet the needs of every pupil. They constantly check on how well each pupil is learning so that they can set the right level of challenge for more improvement. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They show consideration and respect for each other from the earliest age. They work hard in lessons because learning is so much fun. Pupils say they feel safe in school because people are kind.

Excellent pastoral care from all staff creates a warm, safe environment where strong relationships and good learning flourish. The rich curriculum provides many opportunities for pupils to find out about the world around them, follow their own interests and develop a strong sense of responsibility towards others. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

Information about this school

The school is an average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in the care of the local authority, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children whose parents are in the armed services, is above average. The proportion of disabled pupils, and those with special educational needs who are supported at school action, is below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is slightly above average. Nearly all pupils are of White British heritage and no pupils speak English as an additional language. The school meets government floor standards, which set minimum expectations for attainment and progress.