St Fidelis Catholic Primary School in Erith, Kent, has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection conducted on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school has demonstrated exceptional quality in various areas, including education, behavior, personal development, leadership, management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as good.
Pupils at St Fidelis thrive in a nurturing environment that emphasizes the values of compassion, challenge, and excellence. The staff is dedicated to the well-being of the students, ensuring that they feel supported and can express their concerns to trusted adults. The school caters effectively to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who excel academically. Year 6 national assessment outcomes are notably above average, and students also perform well in subjects such as art, music, and sports.
The behavior of pupils is exemplary, both in classrooms and throughout the school. They exhibit maturity, respect, and articulate communication. Younger children in early years demonstrate a strong focus on learning and collaboration, while older students serve as role models for their peers. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents, with many participating in choirs, orchestras, and various extracurricular activities. Notably, a group of pupils recently performed at Buckingham Palace, showcasing their talents on a prestigious platform.
The curriculum at St Fidelis is rich and ambitious, designed to build knowledge progressively. Leaders have carefully structured the content and sequence of subjects, enabling pupils to make connections in their learning. For instance, in music, students develop a wide range of skills from an early age, while in Latin, they learn tenses in a systematic manner. The school prioritizes digital literacy, ensuring that pupils acquire essential skills across the curriculum.
Reading is a focal point of the school's educational approach. From nursery through to reception, children engage with high-quality texts, and phonics instruction begins early. The school effectively supports pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that all students develop strong literacy skills. Those with lower literacy levels quickly learn to communicate effectively, using full sentences and appropriate vocabulary.
St Fidelis maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which students consistently meet. The school promotes positive attitudes towards learning and encourages regular attendance through compassionate support. Leaders actively engage with families to address attendance issues, resulting in high levels of student presence.
The school offers a wide array of extracurricular experiences, contributing to the holistic development of pupils. Activities such as sleepovers, residential trips, and community service projects foster independence and social responsibility. Pupils are encouraged to take on various roles, including prefects and sports leaders, and they participate in numerous after-school clubs.
Leadership at St Fidelis is characterized by a strong commitment to pupil learning. The executive headteacher and head of school work collaboratively to create a positive school culture. Staff members feel valued and take pride in their work, contributing to a strong sense of community among parents, pupils, and staff.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. Overall, St Fidelis Catholic Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all its students.
