St Paul’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders and governors have been wholly successful in creating a culture of excellence. Exceptionally high aspirations and expectations enable all pupils and staff to shine. The acting headteacher has an insightful and accurate understanding of the school's effectiveness.

A steadfast drive for continuous improvement informs her every action. A joyful, distinctively Christian, ethos has been firmly embedded by leaders. Alongside the carefully crafted curriculum, this warm, positive environment contributes well to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Leaders are unrelenting in their ambition for pupils in the wi...dest sense. Pupils' development across the wider curriculum is highly effective. Horizons are broadened and dreams pursued.

Subject leaders keep a close and watchful eye on their areas of responsibility. They shape and develop the quality of teaching and learning effectively. This means that pupils thrive in their development across subjects.

Governors offer leaders and staff constructive challenge and well-placed support. They are keenly aware of their own performance and strive continuously to sharpen the effectiveness of their actions. The quality of teaching and learning in key stages 1 and 2 is outstanding.

Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, excel in reading, writing and mathematics. They make extremely strong progress, achieving standards well above national averages year on year. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are excellent.

They are sociable, respectful and very kind to one another. Positive, empowering relationships exist between staff and pupils. Pupils take enormous pride in their own and others' achievements.

They show especial skills and maturity in managing additional school duties and responsibilities. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are very well supported and challenged in their learning. Leaders have correctly identified that the attendance of some pupils with SEND needs close and regular scrutiny.

Teaching and learning in the early years is good and improving. Children routinely make strong progress from their typical starting points. Over time, the proportion of children reaching a good level of development is above national averages.

Currently, however, the progress of some children in reading, writing and mathematics is less rapid.

Information about this school

This is a slightly smaller than average-sized primary school. There have been several changes in staffing since the previous inspection.

The acting headteacher has been successfully appointed to the role of permanent headteacher. She takes up the post in January 2019. There is an acting deputy headteacher.

Several staff in the early years are either new to the key stage or recently appointed. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage. Very few pupils speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils who are supported by the pupil premium is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND who receive additional support is slightly higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND with an education, health and care plan is lower than the national average.

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