St Luke’s C of E Primary School in Longsight, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 8 and 9, 2024. The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel happy and supported, often describing it as a big family. The staff are committed to listening to students and providing the necessary support, which is particularly beneficial for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has established a strong foundation for early years education, enabling children to achieve well across various subjects.
Pupils at St Luke’s are noted for their politeness and confidence, displaying articulate communication skills when interacting with visitors. The school maintains high expectations for behavior, resulting in calm classrooms that foster effective learning. Students exhibit curiosity and positive attitudes towards their education, benefiting from a diverse range of high-quality opportunities that enhance their learning and personal development. The school has formed numerous partnerships with external organizations to help raise pupils’ aspirations.
Students take pride in their responsibilities, such as serving as subject ambassadors or members of the school council. They also participate in various visits and after-school activities that enrich their educational experience. Recent achievements, such as success in a national debating competition, highlight the school’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education.
The curriculum at St Luke’s is well-designed and ambitious, particularly in the early years, where it effectively cultivates curiosity and a love for learning. This strong foundation supports pupils as they progress through key stages one and two, where they continue to achieve well. The school and governing body have collaborated effectively to enhance the curriculum since the last inspection, ensuring that important content is identified and taught in a structured manner. However, in a few subjects, the checks on curriculum implementation and impact are still developing, which limits the school’s understanding of how effectively these subjects are being taught.
Teachers are well-trained and utilize their strong subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively. They assess pupils’ understanding before introducing new concepts, which helps ensure successful progression through the curriculum. In the early years, children are provided with ample opportunities to develop their vocabulary through stories and rhymes. The school has implemented a structured phonics curriculum that begins in Reception, allowing teachers to build pupils’ phonics knowledge systematically.
St Luke’s is adept at identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities early on, ensuring that appropriate support is in place as they progress through the school. This support enables these pupils to achieve well and engage fully in school life. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with minimal disruption to learning, and they adhere to school routines effectively. The school collaborates with families to manage attendance and punctuality, resulting in high levels of regular attendance.
The school has developed a robust program to support pupils’ personal development, addressing important issues such as equality and diversity while promoting fundamental British values. Pupils are well-informed about online safety and receive effective support for their social and emotional well-being. Staff members enjoy working at the school, appreciating the teamwork and support available to them, which contributes to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Luke’s are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. Moving forward, the school should focus on enhancing its checks on curriculum implementation in the subjects where these are less established to ensure that all pupils secure and deepen their knowledge over time.
