St Catherine Catholic Primary School is a welcoming institution where pupils experience a strong sense of belonging. The staff are well-acquainted with the students and their families, ensuring that the school’s values permeate all aspects of school life. Pupils report feeling settled, happy, and safe, with many expressing that they come to school with a smile and leave with one as well. The school has high expectations for its pupils, who are encouraged to work hard and strive for excellence. Behaviour is consistently good, with pupils adhering to established rules and routines. The school’s reward system effectively promotes positive behaviour, motivating students to achieve their best.
The range of extracurricular clubs available, including Irish dancing, chess, and professional netball coaching, is highly regarded by pupils, with strong attendance noted. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils have equal opportunities to participate in these activities. Parents and carers appreciate the school’s dedication to prioritizing their children’s needs and interests, fostering a strong sense of community.
The school sets ambitious expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to Live life to the full. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of students, beginning in the early years. It builds on prior knowledge and establishes clear expectations for vocabulary and knowledge retention. Teaching methods are varied and effective in assessing pupil learning, particularly in core subjects like English and mathematics. However, there are some areas within the wider curriculum where teaching expertise may not be sufficient to support deeper understanding, leading to less successful outcomes in those subjects. The leadership team is actively prioritizing training to enhance teaching quality across the board.
Reading is a key focus from the early years, with phonics instruction starting in Reception. The school emphasizes the importance of reading for educational success, and through a well-structured phonics program, pupils become confident readers. Teachers’ enthusiasm for reading contributes to pupils’ enjoyment, and effective support is provided for those who may struggle, ensuring they can catch up quickly. Collaboration with parents is also a priority, helping them support their children’s reading at home.
The school is dedicated to fostering both academic and social development. Staff prioritize language development, enabling pupils to express their views and knowledge effectively. In the early years, children engage in activities that enhance their language and listening skills through songs, rhymes, and adult interactions. Pupils with additional needs are identified early, and the school provides strong support to ensure they can access the curriculum successfully.
Personal development is exceptionally well integrated into the curriculum, with a focus on well-being and enrichment activities. The school collaborates with outside agencies to support vulnerable families and offers a variety of free extracurricular clubs to broaden pupils’ experiences. Pupils learn about life in modern Britain, including the significance of equality and diversity, and they articulate the importance of kindness.
The governing body plays an active role in school improvement, asking relevant questions to ensure that actions taken build on existing strengths. Staff feel well-supported and take pride in being part of the school community. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there is a need to enhance teaching expertise in certain foundation subjects to ensure all pupils achieve a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
