St George’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 5 and 6, 2024. The school is characterized by a small, friendly, and harmonious environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The values of compassion and respect are evident in the daily interactions among staff and students. The school fosters a culture where pupils are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and develop confidence in their abilities. High expectations for behavior are set, and pupils know they can seek help if they have concerns.
A significant portion of the student body speaks English as an additional language, and the school provides effective support to ensure these pupils meet the high standards expected. Pupils express enthusiasm for their learning across various subjects and benefit from exciting educational trips that enhance their academic and personal development. The school has achieved commendable results, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Cultural diversity is celebrated at St George’s, with an annual international week culminating in an International Day. This initiative allows pupils to explore the cultures of different countries, enriching their understanding of the world. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful consideration given to the key knowledge pupils need to acquire and the sequence in which it is taught. For instance, in computing, younger pupils learn to create and debug simple programs, which prepares them for more complex tasks as they progress.
Reading is prioritized, with children in Nursery and Reception developing their language skills effectively. The school ensures that reading materials align with the phonics being taught, and those who struggle receive timely support. Regular story times in Reception foster a love for reading, and pupils across all year groups demonstrate a passion for books.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting teaching methods and resources to facilitate access to the curriculum. While teachers generally possess strong subject knowledge, there are instances where the assessment of pupils’ understanding could be more precise, leading to some students advancing before they are fully prepared.
Pupils exhibit respectful behavior towards staff and peers, and they engage positively in class and throughout the school. They appreciate the rewards for good behavior and hard work, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare, with assurance that any issues will be addressed. The school collaborates closely with parents to enhance pupil behavior and attendance, effectively identifying and addressing barriers to regular school attendance.
St George’s offers numerous opportunities for wider development, including visits to museums, farms, and places of worship, as well as participation in sports and the school choir. The school council and spiritual life group provide avenues for pupils to engage in leadership and community activities.
Staff members take pride in their work at the school, valuing the high-quality training and support they receive. Governors are well-informed about the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, and leaders are committed to ongoing enhancement of the school’s performance.
The safeguarding arrangements at St George’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance its practices in checking pupils’ understanding and to further embed the curriculum in certain subjects to ensure cohesive knowledge development over time. Overall, St George’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
