St John Fisher RC Primary School, located in London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 19 and 20, 2023. The school fosters a warm and friendly environment where pupils feel proud to be part of the community. Students report that they get along well with one another, and the school promotes inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome regardless of their differences. The atmosphere is one where pupils feel happy and safe, trusting the adults to support them with any concerns they may have.
The leadership and staff at St John Fisher have high expectations for all pupils, encouraging them to embody the school’s values of love, learning, and achievement. Positive relationships are evident between pupils and staff, contributing to a culture of confidence, courtesy, and politeness. This is particularly noticeable during collaborative tasks in class, where pupils demonstrate a strong work ethic and positive attitudes that enhance their learning experiences. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff address them effectively.
The school values pupil input, allowing them to vote for representatives in the Voice of Tomorrow initiative, which serves as a school council. These representatives take pride in influencing school decisions, such as the design of wildlife areas and the selection of senior leaders. Additionally, the school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage with the local community, including initiatives like preparing boxes of love for older residents and supporting the local food bank.
St John Fisher has implemented an ambitious and well-structured curriculum that is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of pupils. Leaders have identified the essential knowledge and skills required for mastery in various subjects. For example, Year 6 pupils effectively apply their mathematical knowledge to solve complex problems. Teachers deliver the curriculum in a manner that breaks down concepts into manageable parts, facilitating a secure understanding among pupils. Active participation in discussions is encouraged, and disruptions to learning are infrequent.
In the early years, children are introduced to phonics through a well-resourced program that prepares them for reading. By the end of Year 2, pupils typically read fluently and confidently. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with leaders addressing any declines in motivation and stamina for reading that arose during the pandemic. They have enhanced the school library and trained parents to support reading at home.
The school also prioritizes the development of pupils beyond academics, offering music lessons and opportunities for performances in various venues. Participation in competitive sports is encouraged, and there is a high uptake of after-school clubs. Staff appreciate the approachable nature of the leadership, which has streamlined processes to reduce workload and provided access to counseling and physiotherapy for staff well-being.
Safeguarding measures at St John Fisher are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of neglect or abuse. Leaders maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding procedures and work closely with external agencies to support at-risk pupils. Pupils receive education on safety at home, school, and online, covering topics such as internet safety and personal privacy.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. In some subjects, teachers need to ensure that pupils have acquired the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding new concepts. Leaders should focus on reinforcing these checks to enhance overall learning outcomes. Overall, St John Fisher RC Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
