St Catherine’s RC Primary School in Didsbury, Manchester, was inspected on November 7 and 8, 2023, and received a rating of good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school was last inspected 14 years ago, when it was rated outstanding. Since then, it has been exempt from routine inspections due to legal provisions. The current inspection reflects the school’s performance under the latest framework and considers any changes since the last graded inspection.
Pupils at St Catherine’s express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting the supportive relationships they have with adults. They feel safe and happy, demonstrating respect and courtesy towards one another and the staff. The school has high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils engage actively in their learning, benefiting from well-designed and enjoyable activities that enhance their subject knowledge. They are well-prepared for the next stages of their education, with opportunities for cultural exchange that broaden their understanding of different cultures.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that includes essential knowledge and skills for each educational stage. It takes into account the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers. The early years curriculum has been thoughtfully implemented, providing engaging learning opportunities that prepare children for future learning. Across key stages one and two, pupils build their knowledge logically, although some staff are still adjusting to recent curriculum revisions in a few subjects, which can hinder the depth of knowledge development for some pupils.
Assessment systems are generally effective, but in subjects with recent changes, some teachers do not revisit essential knowledge frequently enough, which can affect long-term retention of new information. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a strong phonics program in place. Staff provide effective support for pupils struggling with reading, ensuring most become fluent readers. The school fosters a strong partnership with parents to enhance pupils’ reading skills at home.
St Catherine’s places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of each child. Staff are well-equipped to identify additional needs, allowing pupils with SEND to achieve alongside their peers. The school nurtures pupils’ talents and interests through various extracurricular activities, including music lessons and performances. Pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain, valuing diversity and understanding the importance of democracy through roles such as school ambassadors and councillors.
Leadership at all levels collaborates to maintain high expectations for pupils while considering staff well-being in decision-making. A new training program has been introduced to support staff development, and there is a positive culture within the school community. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school should ensure that all staff are well-trained to implement the revised curriculum effectively in all subjects. Additionally, there should be more opportunities for pupils to revisit essential knowledge and skills to strengthen their foundations for new learning. Overall, St Catherine’s RC Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
