St Paul’s Church of England Primary School in Mill Hill, London, has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school has maintained a strong reputation since its last inspection seven years ago, which was rated outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school’s commitment to providing a high-quality education, particularly in terms of its ambitious and inclusive curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school fosters a strong sense of community, with parents and carers expressing high levels of satisfaction regarding the school’s environment and the support their children receive. Many parents describe the school as a family where all faiths are welcomed, and children thrive in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. The staff are dedicated to knowing their pupils well, ensuring that they feel secure and happy while attending school.
Pupils at St Paul’s demonstrate exemplary behavior both in lessons and during playtime, reflecting the school’s high expectations. They are polite, well-mannered, and actively engage with the school’s vision and values, which emphasize excellence, understanding, joy, and faith. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles, such as being members of the school council or house captains, which helps to develop their sense of responsibility and community involvement.
The curriculum is well-structured and sequenced, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively from Reception through to Year 6. Most subjects are taught effectively, and pupils generally achieve well. However, there are some inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum in certain subjects, particularly regarding how the school assesses pupils’ understanding and retention of knowledge. This has occasionally resulted in gaps in learning, which school leaders are actively working to address through credible plans for improvement.
In the early years, children make a strong start, quickly adapting to routines and engaging in learning activities that promote their development. The learning environments are conducive to exploration and discovery, particularly in mathematics, where children demonstrate their understanding of numbers and shapes. The phonics program is implemented with precision, enabling pupils to develop the skills necessary for fluent reading. The school ensures that reading materials are well-matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge, providing support for those who struggle.
The school is particularly attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs, utilizing individual learning plans to tailor support effectively. The behavior and attitudes of pupils are significant strengths, with high attendance rates and low levels of persistent absence contributing to a positive learning environment.
Leaders prioritize personal development, teaching pupils about democracy, respect, and citizenship. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and outings that enhance learning and development. Governance is effective, with leaders mindful of staff workload and well-being, contributing to a positive working environment for all staff members.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. Overall, St Paul’s Church of England Primary School is committed to continuous improvement, with plans in place to address areas for development while maintaining its strong community ethos and high standards of education.
