St John Fisher Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. There have been marked improvements in teaching and pupils' progress over the past three years. This is the result of the strong leadership provided by the headteacher.

Pupils achieve well. By the time pupils leave at the end of Year 6, the standard of their work is consistently above average in reading, writing and mathematics. Teaching is most often good and is sometimes outstanding.

Teachers explain new learning clearly and make sure that pupils have plenty of opportunities to practise new skills. As a result, pupils make good progress. Behaviour is outstanding.

Pupils show great respect for all members of the school communit...y. They say that they always feel safe and are very well cared for. Pupils take a pride in their school and are keen to learn.

Leaders and managers at all levels, including the governing body, check the school's effectiveness regularly and closely. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not always set clear targets for pupils to achieve in lessons. Pupils do not have enough opportunities to plan their own work and think for themselves.

Teachers miss opportunities to use questions that increase the level of challenge for pupils during lessons.

Information about this school

St John Fisher is larger than most primary schools. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is, at 7%, much lower than the national average.

Most pupils speak English as their first language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is, at 13%, broadly average. About three-quarters of these pupils are supported through school action, while the remainder are at the school action plus level.

There are currently no pupils with a statement of special educational needs. About 15% of pupils are known to be eligible for additional funding through the pupil premium, which is intended to provide additional support for children in local authority care and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals. This percentage is below the national average.

The headteacher has been in post since 2009. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress. On-site childcare, provided by St John Fisher Playgroup is independent of the school and is inspected separately.