St Paul’s Catholic Junior School in Liverpool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 14 and 15 September 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are eager to attend, enjoying strong relationships with both their peers and staff. Teachers motivate students to strive for their best, instilling the values of kindness, respect, and resilience. High expectations for behavior are upheld, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating politeness and courtesy. The school rewards good behavior and hard work, with students particularly appreciating the opportunity to share hot chocolate and conversations with the headteacher.
Pupils feel safe and supported, reporting that incidents of bullying and name-calling are rare and effectively addressed by teachers. They express confidence in approaching staff with any concerns. The school encourages pupils to take on various roles and responsibilities, such as participating in the election of school councillors and engaging in extracurricular activities.
Leadership at St Paul’s is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can achieve their full potential. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious and inclusive, with subject leaders receiving training to develop effective plans for their areas. The curriculum is structured logically, allowing pupils to build a strong understanding of subjects like history. However, there are instances where teachers do not revisit key content, which can hinder long-term retention of knowledge.
Reading instruction has been prioritized, with recent changes leading to more effective practices across the school. Pupils who require additional support in phonics receive help as soon as they start school, with well-trained staff conducting daily sessions. Careful selection of reading materials helps pupils practice their phonics skills, aiding those who struggle with reading. Comprehension skills are developed through thoughtfully chosen texts, and pupils express enthusiasm for reading, enjoying rewards for their efforts and opportunities to meet authors.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is strong, with leaders ensuring that their needs are accurately identified and that staff are trained to adapt activities accordingly. Pupils demonstrate high standards of behavior in lessons and throughout the school, taking pride in responsibilities such as maintaining the school vegetable garden and fundraising for charities.
Governors are actively involved and knowledgeable about many aspects of the school, although they lack detailed information about subjects beyond English and mathematics, which limits their ability to effectively support and challenge school leaders. Staff express pride in working at the school and appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being.
The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, with a culture that prioritizes the safety of pupils. Staff receive regular training to identify signs of abuse and understand the risks pupils may face. The curriculum includes lessons on online safety and appropriate information-sharing.
To improve, the school should ensure that teachers consistently recap key content and vocabulary identified in the curriculum, enabling pupils to connect new learning with prior knowledge. Additionally, governors should be better informed about the full curriculum to enhance their support and challenge for school leaders. Overall, St Paul’s Catholic Junior School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
