St Monica’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils achieve extremely well. They make excellent progress throughout the school, often from below-average starting points, and consistently reach above-average standards by the end of Key Stage 2. An ever-increasing proportion of pupils throughout the school is working at levels above the usual expectations for their age.

There is scope for some of the most able pupils to reach even higher standards in writing. Pupils who find learning difficult and those who qualify for extra funding through the pupil premium are well supported and achieve very well. The quality of teaching is outstanding.

Teachers and support staff c...onstantly strive to ensure that pupils progress quickly and that lessons are interesting and fun. Children get off to an excellent start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They become highly motivated, eager learners, well prepared for Key Stage 1.

The rich curriculum enables pupils of all ages to become fully engaged in successful learning. Pupils are mature and confident, play a full part in school life and work together happily and productively. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around the school.

They are well mannered caring individuals who speak with warmth and pride about their school. Pupils are confident that the school keeps them safe. They know that the adults care for them.

Their parents overwhelmingly agree that the school provides a safe place for their children. The headteacher leads with clarity and with a passion that is shared by all. He leads an extremely effective team and has the wholehearted support of all his staff.

Senior and middle leaders contribute extremely well to checking on and improving pupils' progress and the quality of teaching. Governors provide outstanding support. They are very well informed; they are actively involved in the school's daily life; they are very supportive; and are also well able to hold the school fully to account.

St Monica's provides a welcoming, caring environment for its pupils. It daily provides a rich, stimulating climate for learning and life experiences. It truly lives its Catholic mission in the community.

Information about this school

St Monica's is significantly larger than an average-sized primary school. It is a two-form entry school and has a part-time Nursery. The school provides a breakfast club.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is in line with other schools nationally. The proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is just below that of other schools nationally. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium funding is above the national average.

This is extra funding is for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups and those who speak English as an additional language is significantly below that found nationally. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.