St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Harborne, Birmingham, was inspected on January 24 and 25, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has a strong reputation for providing a safe and nurturing environment where pupils are happy and enjoy attending. Feedback from parents, staff, and pupils indicates that students feel well cared for and secure. The leadership team, under the headteacher, has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all pupils achieve well, particularly in foundational subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. The early years provision is effective, allowing children to start their educational journey with a solid foundation.
Pupils across all year groups, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, attain high levels in English and mathematics due to the effective planning and delivery of these subjects. However, the report notes that the sequencing and development of the curriculum in some other subjects are less effective, which can hinder pupils' learning experiences. Despite this, pupils exhibit good behavior, demonstrating politeness, hard work, and respect for diversity. They understand the difference between bullying and isolated incidents of unkind behavior, and the school takes swift action to address any concerns.
The leadership team has made strides in reviewing and improving the curriculum, introducing a new reading system and high-quality reading materials. Teachers are noted for setting challenging work that builds on pupils' existing knowledge and skills. Some subjects are taught by specialists, leading to consistent achievement in those areas. However, there are concerns regarding the coherence of the curriculum in certain subjects, particularly in the early years and key stages one and two, where the content is not always well sequenced.
The school has a strong emphasis on reading, with leaders dedicated to ensuring every child learns to read. Phonics lessons are structured effectively, and additional support is provided for those who struggle. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to develop various skills outside the classroom. The Catholic ethos of the school plays a significant role in the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, who engage in charitable activities and learn about different world faiths.
Staff collaboration is a strength of the school, with a united team that appreciates the support they receive regarding workload and well-being. Governors are actively involved and use their expertise to support the school, although there is a need for more thorough self-evaluation of their effectiveness. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding issues promptly. Pupils are educated about personal safety and know they can seek help from staff if needed.
To improve, the school must ensure that the curriculum is coherently sequenced in all areas of learning, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge effectively. Additionally, leaders and governors should enhance their self-evaluation processes to identify and address weaknesses in the curriculum and maintain the momentum of school improvement. Overall, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School provides a good educational experience, with a strong foundation in key subjects and a commitment to the holistic development of its pupils.
