St Elizabeth’s Catholic Voluntary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Staff know each pupil exceedingly well. The high levels of care, guidance and academic and personal support offered to pupils lie at the heart of the school's success. Children in the Reception class quickly develop a love of learning.

They make rapid progress in acquiring knowledge and skills in all areas of learning, especially in literacy and numeracy. This is due to the outstanding provision. Pupils make outstanding progress between Year 1 and Year 6.

Pupils' progress in reading and mathematics is exceptional. Pupils attain standards that are consistently above-average by the end of Year 6. Consequently, they are wel...l-prepared for the next stage in their education.

Teaching is typically outstanding. Teachers make learning challenging for pupils of all abilities, through providing creative and stimulating activities. Staff check closely if pupils are on track to reach their targets; additional support is quickly put in place for any pupil who is falling behind.

Pupils' behaviour around the school and during lessons is exemplary. Pupils are courteous and polite and show respect for adults and each other. Governors are highly committed to ensuring that pupils receive a first-class education.

They have an accurate picture of the school's performance and know what they have to do to secure further improvements. The headteacher provides outstanding leadership. He is passionate that every pupil will achieve well irrespective of his or her background or circumstances.

Leaders of subjects provide excellent support and advice to teachers on how to improve their practice. The curriculum is well planned and promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development exceptionally well. The school makes excellent use of the primary sports funding to enable pupils to participate in sport and develop healthy lifestyles.

Pupils make excellent progress in writing in regard to grammar, punctuation and spelling; leaders are aware that boys' progress in improving the quality of the content of their writing, however, is less strong. Pupils' attendance has improved markedly this academic year. However, governors and senior leaders are aware that this is not as high as they expect.

Clear plans are in place to ensure that attendance continues to improve.

Information about this school

St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Pupils are taught in seven classes.

There is one class per year group. All Early Years Foundation Stage children attend on a full time basis. Most pupils come from White British backgrounds.

There are very few pupils from other heritage groups or who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs (6%) is below the national average. The proportion supported through school action (14%) is above the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for pupil premium funding (11%) is below that which is found nationally. This is additional funding provided to give extra support to those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and to children who are looked after. The proportion of girls who attend the school is lower than that which is found nationally.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for the attainment and progress of pupils by the end of Year 6. There is a separate before- and after-school club which is held on the school site. This was not included as part of this inspection.

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