Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Bidston, Birkenhead, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on 20 and 21 October 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which indicated that the school required improvement.
Pupils at Holy Cross are proud to attend the school, which is described as calm, caring, and purposeful. The school community extends a warm welcome to new pupils, including those from different countries. High expectations for behaviour are set by staff, and pupils consistently demonstrate respect towards adults and peers. The school environment is safe, with effective measures in place to prevent bullying. Pupils feel confident in reporting any concerns, knowing that staff will address them promptly.
The school emphasizes the importance of doing one’s best in lessons, which has led to positive academic outcomes for most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, attendance remains a challenge, as some pupils do not attend regularly enough to reach their full potential. The school provides various opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, enhancing their learning experiences and social development.
The curriculum at Holy Cross is broad, well-designed, and ambitious. Teachers are knowledgeable about the learning objectives for each subject and ensure that pupils build on their prior knowledge. Regular assessments help teachers plan effectively for future learning. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language, achieve well across the curriculum. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the systematic teaching of key vocabulary in some subjects, which can hinder pupils' ability to articulate their learning.
In the early years, children receive a strong foundation in reading through daily phonics sessions delivered by skilled staff. The school has implemented a well-structured reading curriculum that supports pupils as they progress through the school. Staff are attentive to the needs of pupils who may be falling behind, ensuring they receive the necessary support to catch up.
Behaviour management is effective, with pupils encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. The school maintains a calm and orderly atmosphere, with minimal disruptions during lessons. Leaders have introduced various strategies to improve attendance, including employing an education welfare officer and organizing initiatives like a walking bus to assist pupils in getting to school. Despite these efforts, some pupils still miss school without valid reasons, which affects their educational opportunities.
Personal development is a key focus at Holy Cross, with numerous opportunities for pupils to engage socially and culturally. The school promotes resilience and independence in learning, preparing pupils for future challenges. Leaders have addressed weaknesses identified in previous inspections, leading to significant improvements in the school’s overall performance. Governors play an active role in supporting the school’s development, and staff feel valued and supported by leadership.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to identify and respond to potential risks. The school prioritizes teaching pupils about safety, including online risks. Overall, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils, with clear areas identified for further improvement, particularly in attendance and vocabulary development.
