St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a school that requires improvement Since the last inspection, there has been a decline in the school's overall effectiveness.

In recent years, pupils' progress in key stage 2 in reading, writing and mathematics has been variable and often significantly below the national average. The quality of teaching across the school is not consistently good. Teachers' expectations of what pupils can do are not always high enough and work is too often not well matched to pupils' learning needs.

The impact of subject leadership is variable. Teaching in some areas of the curriculum lacks depth and so does not develop pupils' knowledge and understanding effectively. L...eaders work to improve provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is at an early stage.

It is too soon to see the impact of systems to ensure that pupils' targets are appropriate for their needs. Governors sometimes struggle to interpret school performance information. This hinders their efforts to hold leaders adequately to account for how well the school is performing.

Plans for improving the school identify appropriate priorities, but lack both a sharp focus and clear measures of success. The school has the following strengths Leaders have successfully established an ethos which focuses on compassion for others and prioritises the well-being of pupils, parents, carers and staff. In a positive and supportive environment, pupils become confident learners.

Leaders have an accurate picture of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Since being appointed, the headteacher has brought a greater focus to efforts to raise standards. Outcomes across the school are showing signs of improvement, particularly in the early years and key stage 1.

Children get off to a positive start in the early years. They are welcomed into a stimulating environment where they feel safe and secure. Pupils behave well and demonstrate respect for others.

Instances of bullying are rare.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is above the national average.

The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils with SEND is significantly lower than average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is above the national average.