St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils make good overall progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage and in Key Stage 1, and very good progress in Key Stage 2. Standards are well above average by the end of Key Stage 2 in English and mathematics.

The quality of teaching is good and is complemented by regular homework and effective additional help for pupils who need it. All teachers regularly check pupils' written work and provide constructive comments that tell pupils how to improve. Pupils' attitudes to learning are excellent.

Pupils are polite, respectful and extremely well behaved in lessons and around the school and feel safe at all times. Attendance has been wel...l above average for a number of years. The school is led and managed well.

School leaders have won the respect of parents, governors, staff and pupils. Their drive and determination have resulted in improved teaching and learning, but they are acutely aware of what further improvements are needed. Leaders use data about pupils' performance well to identify and support pupils who are falling behind in their learning.

The school caters well for pupils' personal, social, emotional and academic needs through a range of additional programmes. Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs are supported very well and helped to make good progress. Governors provide effective support and challenge to the school's leaders to help bring about school improvement.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teachers do not always stretch the more-able pupils enough in lessons, so that they consistently make as much progress as they otherwise might. Pupils in Key Stage 1 do not consistently make as much progress in mathematics as they do in reading and writing. Pupils are not given enough opportunities to develop independent research skills or to take part in activities that develop their creativity.

Information about this school

St Raphael's is a voluntary-aided school that is much larger than the average primary school. The roll has grown since the last inspection and has expanded from two forms of entry. There are now three classes in Reception and in Year 1.

There is a wide range of different ethnic groups in the school, with over 75% from minority ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups at the school are White British (23%), Other White (19%) and Black African (12%). A high proportion of pupils (44%) are learning English as an additional language, which is well above average.

The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the extra funds provided through the pupil premium is, at 15%, just below the national average. Five per cent of pupils are supported through school action, which is less than the national average. The proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement is in line with the national average.

There are currently 15 pupils with a statement of special educational needs. Their needs include physical disability, behaviour and emotional difficulties, autism, moderate learning difficulties, speech and language, and specific learning difficulties. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Also at this postcode