St Peter’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Newchurch

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is an outstanding school.

The exceptional vision of the headteacher inspires all to provide the very best for the pupils. Improvements have been made that have upgraded the building, inside and outside, as well as enhancing the education of the pupils. Systems to monitor teaching and pupils' progress are rigorous and both the quality of teaching and achievement have risen since the previous inspection.

Governors and staff all play a role in leading the school. The leaders of English and mathematics are strong in bringing about changes in these subjects. Other middle leaders are developing their roles and are not yet fully ef...fective.

Pupils show their enjoyment of school by their above average attendance and exemplary behaviour. They try to share their happiness with others and raise considerable funds for charity. Pupils say they feel very safe and are confident that staff see their welfare as a priority.

They feel valued and in return show great respect for one another. Visitors are welcomed in a charming and friendly manner. Teaching is outstanding because of the teachers' enthusiasm and determination to make learning interesting.

Support staff play a crucial role in helping pupils, especially in the very effective teaching of phonics (letters and their sounds). The curriculum is planned with great care to capture pupils' interests. The amazing outdoor areas are fully exploited for adventures, as well as story reading.

The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. As a result, the pupils are inspiring in their actions and thoughts about respect for others and their own role in society. They value one another as individuals and it is a privilege to see how the older pupils help the younger ones.

Achievement overall is excellent. Attainment is well above average in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. The most able make similar progress overall to that of other pupils, but very occasionally their work is not hard enough to enable them always to make the best progress.

In the early years, children benefit from a rich curriculum and very effective teaching. They settle quickly, make rapid progress and are a delight to visit.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average. The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged and known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is below average. The pupil premium is additional funding for those known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is well below average and hardly any pupils are identified as not having English as their first language. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There have been several staffing changes since the previous inspection, including the appointment of a new headteacher and deputy headteacher.