Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School in Rochdale has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The school provides a positive environment where pupils express happiness about attending and quickly form friendships. They appreciate the engaging learning experiences offered by their teachers and feel supported by trusted adults in the school for any concerns they may have. The school sets high expectations for achievement, and most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as disadvantaged students, perform well.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior during lessons and social times, adhering to the school’s motto of being safe, ready, and respected. The learning and play environments are calm and purposeful, fostering respect for individual differences among pupils. The school offers a variety of opportunities for wider development, including bespoke awards in Years 1 and 5 to enhance social skills. Pupils enjoy extracurricular clubs in subjects such as Spanish, dance, sports, choir, computing, and art, and they participate in enriching trips to theaters, art galleries, and other locations.
The curriculum at Sacred Heart is broad and ambitious, with a clear structure that allows pupils to build on their previous learning effectively. Early years education lays a strong foundation for future learning. Staff receive effective training to improve their subject knowledge and curriculum implementation. Teachers generally provide clear explanations of new concepts, although there is a need for stronger emphasis on subject-specific vocabulary in some areas, which can hinder long-term retention of knowledge.
The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs early and collaborates with parents and external professionals to provide effective support. This ensures that these pupils learn alongside their peers. Reading is a priority, with a curriculum centered around high-quality texts. Pupils enjoy visiting the school’s book areas and participating in daily reading sessions. However, some strategies for supporting struggling readers need improvement to enhance their fluency and accuracy.
Pupils are polite, well-mannered, and understand the importance of regular attendance, which the school has successfully improved. They exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and aspire to various future careers. Beyond academics, pupils engage in leadership roles and community service, learning about safety and health. Staff express pride in working at the school, appreciating the supportive environment and consideration for their well-being. However, a small number of parents have raised concerns about the school’s responsiveness to their issues, indicating a need for improved communication and partnership with families.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance its performance, the school should focus on improving the teaching of subject-specific vocabulary and refining strategies for supporting struggling readers. Additionally, strengthening communication with parents will help address any concerns more effectively. Overall, Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering both academic and personal growth in its pupils.
