St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics is improving. Pupils make good progress from starting points which are often low and reach standards which are average by the end of Year 6.

The new headteacher has been highly effective in raising the expectations of staff and pupils. She has inspired self-confidence and ambition in both. Governors and leaders at all levels work as a team and have been successful in improving the quality of teaching and raising standards.

Teaching is generally good and an increasing amount is outstanding. Teachers and teaching assistants work well together to provide pupils with interesting activit...ies and high-quality resources. Pupils say they enjoy school and feel secure.

The school cares for pupils very well and works effectively to keep them safe. The school's strong values and Christian ethos underpin the very positive learning environment. Pupils are well behaved and show consideration for others.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : There is not enough outstanding teaching and a small amount requires improvement. Occasionally, teaching does not challenge pupils appropriately, particularly the most-able pupils. Teachers do not always clarify, including through marking, what pupils must do to improve their work.

Not all teachers and teaching assistants use questioning skilfully enough in lessons to develop pupils' understanding.

Information about this school

In this average-sized primary school, the proportion of pupils who come from minority ethnic backgrounds is above average and the proportion speaking English as an additional language is well above average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average.

The pupil premium is additional funding for children in the care of the local authority, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those with a parent in the armed forces. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school runs a breakfast club. The headteacher was appointed in September 2013.

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