St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School, Birtley

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Pupils' achievement is outstanding due to the progress they make from broadly average starting points. The school knows each pupil extremely well and is highly effective in meeting their needs.

Teaching is outstanding and pupils receive this consistent quality of teaching over time across the school. Teachers have high expectations and pupils' handwriting and presentation are exceptional. Teaching assistants provide high quality support to pupils both in and out of the classroom.

Consequently, pupils who are disabled or have special educational needs make outstanding progress. The rich curriculum provides a wide range of exciting... learning opportunities, both in and out of school, which broadens pupils' horizons. Leaders acknowledge that even more could be done to provide pupils, particularly the more-able, with more opportunities to learn independently.

Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils play extremely well together. They have an excellent understanding of how to keep safe and say there is no bullying.

Their work ethic in class is excellent. They are industrious and they always try to do the best they can. The headteacher provides dynamic but supportive leadership.

She has been instrumental in supporting staff to drive up pupils' standards and improve the quality of teaching. She is, in return, exceptionally well-supported by all staff and a skilful deputy headteacher. Governors also, are extremely supportive in all aspects of the school's work.

They have been a contributing factor in strengthening the leadership of the school and know the school extremely well. The governing body challenges leaders at all levels and consequently standards have risen and teaching has improved.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average sized junior school.

An average proportion of pupils is known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional funding for those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children in the care of the local authority and children of service families. An above average proportion of pupils is supported at school action. An average proportion of pupils is supported at school action plus or has a statement of special educational needs.

The majority of pupils is of White British Heritage. The school has achieved the Healthy School status, the Basic Skills and the Gateshead Sports Mark awards. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.