St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School, located on Louisville Road in London, SW17 8RW, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted on the 26th and 27th of September 2023. The school has received an outstanding rating across all categories, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality education and a nurturing environment for its pupils.
Pupils at St Anselm’s are justifiably proud of their school. The leadership team has crafted a broad and engaging curriculum that captivates students and fosters a love for learning. Innovative curriculum choices allow pupils to immerse themselves in various subjects, leading to high levels of achievement across the board. For instance, recent projects have included an exploration of the heritage of Tooting, which has excited students and encouraged collaborative learning.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behaviour and learning. Classrooms are characterized by positive behaviour, with students focused and engaged in their work. Collaborative discussions are encouraged, extending even to the playground, where older pupils interact positively with younger ones. The school environment is safe and supportive, with pupils knowing they can approach trusted adults with any concerns.
St Anselm’s excels in providing exceptional opportunities for personal development. Pupils demonstrate the school’s values through mutual respect and understanding of their differences. Initiatives such as the school council and chaplaincy team empower students to contribute to school improvements and fundraising efforts. The school ensures that every pupil participates in a variety of musical and sporting experiences, fostering a well-rounded development.
The leadership team has designed an ambitious curriculum that ensures pupils achieve well. Key knowledge, skills, and vocabulary are carefully considered, and learning is sequenced to build on prior knowledge effectively. Teachers at St Anselm’s demonstrate strong subject knowledge and address misconceptions swiftly. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are provided with the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, with appropriate adaptations made to support their learning.
Reading is a high priority at St Anselm’s, with staff trained to deliver the phonics programme effectively. Reception pupils are enthusiastic about learning new sounds, and teachers monitor understanding closely to provide necessary support. The school promotes a positive reading culture, involving parents in their children’s reading journeys and offering a rich variety of texts and genres.
High expectations and established routines contribute to excellent behaviour throughout the school. Staff model nurturing and caring behaviour, helping pupils develop a mature understanding of relationships and feelings. Attendance is notably positive, as pupils are eager to be in school, and respectful relationships are evident among all members of the school community.
Teachers encourage pupils to understand and respect diverse opinions, and students take pride in their roles within the school. All pupils learn to play a musical instrument and have opportunities to perform, while sporting tournaments allow them to represent their school. The curriculum is enriched through carefully planned visits, and all pupils participate in a residential stay, further enhancing their educational experience.
The governing body and school leaders are dedicated to continual improvement, reflecting on practices to ensure the best outcomes for pupils. Regular training for staff supports their professional development, and staff express pride in their work at the school, appreciating the support they receive from leadership regarding their well-being and workload.
The arrangements for safeguarding at St Anselm’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School stands out as a model of excellence in education, with its outstanding ratings reflecting a commitment to high standards in teaching, behaviour, and personal development. The school’s dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching environment ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. For more information about St Anselm’s Catholic Primary School, visit their website at www.stanselms.wandsworth.sch.uk.
