Our Lady’s Bishop Eton Catholic Primary School in Liverpool was inspected on July 10 and 11, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has maintained a strong reputation since its last inspection, which was rated Outstanding over a decade ago. The current inspection reflects the school’s commitment to providing quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils. The school’s values of respect, responsibility, and resilience are evident in the positive relationships between staff and students, contributing to a happy and engaged student body.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior and are aware of the consequences of their actions, fostering a calm and orderly atmosphere conducive to learning. The school is ambitious for all its students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. The majority of pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and mathematics, where their attainment and progress are among the highest nationally.
The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including drama, judo, and sports clubs, which help to develop pupils’ talents and interests. Educational visits, such as residential trips, further enhance the learning experience and promote teamwork skills. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on reading and mathematics. However, the school acknowledges that there are areas for improvement in other subjects and is actively refining its curriculum to ensure high achievement across all areas.
Teachers are well-prepared to deliver the curriculum, building on pupils’ prior knowledge to help them develop secure understanding over time. Nonetheless, there are some challenges in the early years, where the school has not fully mapped out the small steps of knowledge and vocabulary that children need to learn. This gap can hinder the effectiveness of teaching in those areas.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with various initiatives in place to motivate pupils to read widely. The phonics program is consistently delivered, allowing children to start learning phonics immediately in the Reception Year. However, there are instances where some pupils are not provided with books that closely match their phonics knowledge, which can slow their progress in becoming fluent readers.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and ensures that staff are trained to support them appropriately. This inclusive approach allows these pupils to achieve well alongside their peers. Attendance is rigorously tracked, and the school works with families to improve attendance rates when necessary, resulting in high overall attendance.
The school promotes a broad understanding of modern British values, teaching pupils about tolerance and respect for different cultures and faiths. Pupils learn to engage in balanced discussions on challenging issues and understand the importance of maintaining healthy relationships. The governing body plays an active role in the school’s development, holding leaders accountable and ensuring a high-quality curriculum.
The school has taken steps to consider staff workload in its decision-making processes, positively impacting staff well-being. Overall, the school is well-regarded by parents and the community, reflecting its commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
