St Pius X Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school St Pius X Catholic Primary has improved significantly since the previous inspection, in all aspects of the school's provision, particularly the outstanding personal development, behaviour and welfare, and early years provision. The determined drive of the headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, other staff and governors, enables the school to continue to develop at a good pace.

The headteacher and staff see keeping pupils safe as being of paramount importance. Governors are effective. They are better organised than at the time of the previous inspection.

In particular, they check pupils' progress more thoroughly. The skille...d English and mathematics subject leaders drive improvement in the quality of teaching and learning in these subjects. However, leaders of other subjects do not check standards in their subjects.

Staff form an effective team. Since the previous inspection, teachers and teaching assistants have benefited from good-quality training and working with staff in successful schools. Pupils take great pride in their appearance, the presentation of their work and their behaviour.

Pupils want to learn; they come to school keen to see what new learning lies in store for them. They try hard, do as they are asked and see their mistakes as opportunities to improve. Children make an excellent start in Reception because provision is outstanding.

They make very rapid progress. As a result, they are very well prepared for Year 1. When attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is measured at the end of Year 2 and Year 6, it is above the national average.

Pupils generally make good progress as they move through the school. However, work set for the most able pupils, including those who are also disadvantaged, is not sufficiently challenging in some classes and subjects. Parents are positive.

Those spoken to were full of praise for the improvements since the headteacher arrived. The vast majority would recommend the school to another parent.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The school is a smaller than average-sized primary school. There is one class in each year group. Approximately two thirds of pupils are from White British backgrounds.

Pupils from any other White background or of Indian or African heritage form the next largest groups. The proportion of pupils supported by pupil premium funding is below average. The overall proportion of pupils who receive support for their special educational needs and/or disabilities is below average.

The proportion with a statement of special educational needs, or an education, health and care plan, is double the national average. In 2015, the school met the government's floor standards, which are the minimum expectations of pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school operates a breakfast club, five days a week.