St Francis CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

In the current year, a high proportion of pupils make more than expected progress in English and mathematics, although this has not always been the case since the last inspection. Teachers and support staff provide interesting and often exciting lessons that pupils find enjoyable and which engage them in learning. This has led to many pupils reaching much better than expected levels in their work by the time they leave.

There is a good emphasis on the creative and social elements of children's learning that broaden their knowledge and experiences. The behaviour of pupils is impeccable at all times and they enjoy taking responsibility for... their own learning. Pupils feel safe in the school and are aware of how to keep themselves away from harm.

The excellent leadership in the school has reversed a dip in teaching and curriculum quality following the last inspection. Governors are extremely well informed through their close involvement in school life, taking a major role in developments. Pupils say that teachers are very good at assessing their work and helping them to improve it.

It is not yet an outstanding school because: Not all pupils achieve to the highest levels. For example, an insufficient proportion of pupils made greater than expected progress in two out of the last three years. A minority of girls do not always make the same level of progress as boys in mathematics.

There has been some inconsistent progress between some groups of pupils across the whole school. Some pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage do not yet achieve to the highest levels.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average size primary school serving a range of communities in Falmouth.

A below-average proportion of the pupils are supported by the pupil premium, which in this school provides additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, although there is wide variation in numbers across the school in different year groups. The large majority of pupils are White British. There is a range of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds but very few who do not speak English as a first language.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is slightly higher than average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is slightly below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment in English and mathematics.

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