St Paul’s CofE Primary School in Walkden, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school is deeply integrated into its community, with pupils, parents, and staff expressing pride in being part of what they describe as a large family. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by care and support, creating an environment where students can thrive. Pupils report feeling safe and happy, and they appreciate the support they receive from staff when they have concerns.
The leadership at St Paul’s sets high expectations for all pupils, fostering an atmosphere where students strive to achieve their best. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the behavior of the pupils, who conduct themselves well in lessons and throughout the school. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that any issues would be addressed promptly by staff. The school offers a variety of roles and responsibilities for pupils, alongside a wide range of after-school clubs, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Recent activities, such as camping trips and cooking on campfires, have been particularly well-received by students.
The curriculum at St Paul’s is designed with the needs of pupils at its core. Leaders have carefully considered what students need to learn and have established high standards for behavior, which pupils respect and respond to positively. Most children enter the school with knowledge and skills below the typical level for their age, but they receive strong support in the early years, leading to a good level of development by the end of that stage. The early years environment is well-organized and resourced, providing engaging activities that promote early reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
Reading is a priority at St Paul’s, with a rich array of books and print materials available throughout the school. Teachers create inviting reading areas, and pupils express a love for reading, demonstrating familiarity with various authors. Support is provided swiftly for any pupils who may struggle with reading. In mathematics, teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to plan activities that enhance pupils’ understanding, resulting in above-average achievement by the time students leave Year 6.
While the school excels in English and mathematics, changes to the curriculum in other subjects are still relatively new, and leaders are working to evaluate the effectiveness of these areas. Some pupils have difficulty recalling important content from previous lessons, indicating a need for improved retention strategies. However, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported and fully included in the curriculum.
Beyond academics, the school enriches pupils' learning through trips and extracurricular activities, allowing them to engage in a variety of experiences. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns about child safety. The school prioritizes the well-being of its students, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
To further improve, leaders need to enhance the evaluation of the curriculum in subjects beyond English and mathematics, ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential and retain knowledge effectively. Overall, St Paul’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.
