St George’s Catholic Primary School is located on Gordon Road in Enfield and serves a diverse student body. The school has been rated as good in its recent inspection, which took place from October 1 to October 2, 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school, along with the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all received a good rating. This marks a slight decline from the previous inspection, where the school was rated outstanding.
Pupils at St George’s are generally happy and feel safe within the school environment. They attend regularly and actively participate in a variety of activities offered. The school promotes a set of values that encourages pupils to be polite, honest, and well-behaved. Staff members work diligently to foster an inclusive atmosphere where every pupil is recognized as unique. The leadership team is enthusiastic and effectively carries out their responsibilities, setting high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most pupils demonstrate good retention of knowledge from previous years, which aids their ability to learn new concepts.
While instances of bullying are rare, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the school's handling of bullying incidents. The leadership maintains thorough records of any concerns and plans to enhance communication with parents to address these issues. The majority of parents report satisfaction with the school and believe their children enjoy attending.
The school has clear and ambitious goals for all pupils, ensuring that there is a structured plan for what students should learn in each subject. Teachers are knowledgeable and make lessons engaging, focusing on teaching essential vocabulary. Pupils generally achieve well and can articulate what they have learned across various subjects, including mathematics, science, and geography. However, there are challenges with younger, less able pupils who struggle with phonics and reading comprehension. Some of these pupils are given reading materials that do not align with their phonetic knowledge, leading to difficulties in concentration and understanding.
Pupils exhibit good manners and behavior in lessons, producing quality work and forming strong relationships with staff. They are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council or eco-warrior initiatives. The school promotes healthy living through activities like the daily mile, and pupils learn to support one another emotionally, fostering resilience.
The early years provision is robust, with teachers understanding the needs of young children and providing a variety of enjoyable activities. However, there are occasional lapses in clarity regarding the purpose of certain activities, and some children may not progress to new learning as quickly as possible. Overall, children are well-prepared for the transition to Year 1.
Senior leaders are aware of the strengths and areas for improvement within the school. Subject leaders, many of whom are new to their roles, are eager to develop but may lack a comprehensive understanding of how well their subjects are being taught. Governors are actively engaged and hold leaders accountable for their performance.
New teachers receive strong support from both leaders and colleagues, and staff appreciate the training provided to help manage their workload. Most parents are satisfied with the information they receive about their children's learning, although some parents of pupils with special educational needs would like clearer guidance.
The safeguarding arrangements at St George’s are effective, with leaders ensuring that the school is a safe environment for pupils. Staff receive regular training on safety matters, and pupils are educated about various dangers, including online safety. Overall, the school is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for all its pupils.
