St Thomas CofE Primary School in Westhoughton, Bolton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8 and 9, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community among its pupils, who exhibit pride in their school and demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. A notable aspect of the school culture is the pupils' commitment to social justice and environmental care, exemplified by their initiative to implement a waste-paper recycling system. Leadership roles within the school, such as ethos group members and sports captains, contribute to maintaining a calm and purposeful environment.
Pupils express feeling safe at school and are aware of the support available from staff for any concerns, including bullying, which is addressed promptly. The high expectations set by staff regarding behavior and achievement encourage pupils to engage attentively in lessons, leading to successful outcomes across various subjects, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore and develop their talents. Musical opportunities abound, with pupils participating in drumming, guitar, and choir, among other activities. Year six pupils particularly enjoy their annual residential trip, while school trips to museums, zoos, and places of worship enrich their educational experience.
The curriculum at St Thomas CofE Primary School is broad and well-structured, aiming to be ambitious for all pupils. Leaders are focused on ensuring that pupils become active citizens and confident readers. They have a clear vision of the essential knowledge and skills pupils should acquire, which has resulted in commendable academic achievements. Continuous professional development for staff is prioritized, and assessment data is effectively utilized in most subjects to gauge pupil understanding.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the systems for assessing pupil learning are not as robust, leading to gaps in knowledge and skills for some pupils. This affects their ability to build on prior learning. Leaders are encouraged to enhance training for staff in these areas to ensure that all pupils can effectively grasp the intended curriculum.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, fostering a strong reading culture. Pupils enjoy reading and can confidently discuss their favorite books and authors. Staff are well-trained to support phonics learning, ensuring pupils develop their reading skills effectively.
The school has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs. Staff are trained to monitor progress and collaborate with external agencies when necessary, ensuring that these pupils achieve well across subjects. Classroom behavior is generally positive, allowing for effective learning environments.
Pupils at St Thomas CofE Primary School are described as kind-hearted and responsible, often engaging in charitable activities. They actively participate in initiatives to improve the school environment, such as creating a nature sanctuary. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting the friendliness and approachability of staff, as well as the overall happiness and progress of their children.
Staff feel supported by leaders who prioritize their well-being and workload, contributing to a positive school culture. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, St Thomas CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on personal development and community engagement.
