St James’ Catholic Primary School in Orrell, Wigan, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 16 and 17, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community and values among its pupils, who demonstrate respect, politeness, and a commitment to learning. The school’s ethos is built around the ‘seven threads’ of strong character, which pupils understand and embody in their daily interactions. This positive environment contributes to harmonious relationships among students, with rare occurrences of bullying or disagreements, and any incidents that do arise are swiftly addressed.
The curriculum at St James’ is broad and balanced, designed to build on prior knowledge and ensure that pupils can retain what they learn. Leaders have invested in staff training, resulting in a highly professional team that supports teachers effectively. Subject leaders play a crucial role in clarifying learning objectives, which helps pupils to know and remember more across all subjects. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and regularly check pupils’ understanding, although some assessment procedures are still being refined to ensure consistency across all subjects.
Reading is a priority at St James’, with phonics instruction beginning in Reception. Most children in this year group can read unfamiliar words using their phonics skills, and by Key Stage 1, pupils become confident readers. Older students engage with a variety of authors, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills through regular support from staff. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have full access to the curriculum and receive tailored support from well-trained staff.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, showing attentiveness in lessons and contributing to a disruption-free learning environment. They leave the school well-prepared for the next stage of their education, equipped with resilience and determination. The school promotes British values and encourages respect for diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Pupils participate in various clubs, trips, and activities that enrich their educational experience and foster a sense of belonging.
Leadership at St James’ is strong, with senior leaders aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They prioritize staff well-being and workload, which contributes to a positive working environment. Governors fulfill their statutory duties effectively, providing support and challenge to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. The curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to learn about safety, and they feel comfortable discussing any concerns with staff.
While the school is performing well, there is a need to fully embed assessment procedures in certain subjects to ensure that teachers can adapt the curriculum based on pupils’ prior knowledge. This will enhance the learning experience and help pupils build on what they already know. Overall, St James’ Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment, where pupils thrive academically and socially. The school’s commitment to fostering a positive community and high standards of learning is evident in the achievements and well-being of its pupils.
