St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Handsworth, Birmingham, West Midlands, has recently been inspected and has been rated as 'Good' across all key areas. The school prides itself on creating a welcoming environment where pupils express a genuine love for learning. The day starts positively with breakfast bagels, setting a cheerful tone for the day. Students eagerly anticipate their lessons, particularly excelling in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school's leadership is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil achieves their best, promoting the ethos of “to be the best you can be.”
The curriculum at St Augustine’s is well-structured, with a strong emphasis on foundational subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition to core subjects, pupils engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including residential trips and music lessons. The school fosters a love for mathematics, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, leading to rapid progress and high achievement levels by Year 6.
St Augustine’s is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language receive the necessary support to thrive. The school's dedication to including all pupils in lessons has been positively received by parents, highlighting the community's trust in the school's approach.
Pupils at St Augustine’s demonstrate excellent behavior in lessons, contributing to a focused learning environment. The school has effective measures in place to address incidents of bullying, fostering a culture of openness where students feel safe to report concerns. The school also promotes respect for diverse views and lifestyles, embedding fundamental British values into the curriculum. A wide range of clubs and activities enriches the pupils' experience, allowing them to explore new interests.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for further development. The planning and sequencing of the curriculum in a few subjects require enhancement to ensure that all pupils can learn effectively. Persistent absence remains a challenge for a small number of pupils, leading to gaps in their learning. Leaders are encouraged to implement strategies to address these issues and ensure that all students can catch up on missed work.
In conclusion, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School stands out as a nurturing and effective educational institution. With a strong leadership team, a well-rounded curriculum, and a commitment to inclusivity, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success. The recent inspection highlights the school's dedication to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all pupils. As the school moves forward, it will undoubtedly build on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement, ensuring that every child can thrive.
