St Richard’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Atherton, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 19 and 20, 2022. The school fosters a strong sense of community, creating a happy and welcoming environment for pupils to learn and thrive. Students express that they feel safe and cared for by the staff, who maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school’s commitment to ensuring that all pupils achieve well is evident, as students report enjoying their learning experiences, finding activities both interesting and fun, and appreciating the challenges presented in their work.
Pupil behavior is commendable, with students demonstrating an understanding of bullying and confidence that any incidents will be addressed promptly by staff. The school offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on mindful coloring, reading, and model-making, providing ample opportunities for pupils to engage in the wider school community. Leadership at the school has developed a broad and ambitious curriculum, carefully considering what pupils need to learn and how to maximize their potential. The curriculum is well-structured across all subjects, including early years education, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for future educational stages and life in modern Britain.
Teachers at St Richard’s are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, effectively motivating pupils and making learning exciting. They provide clear explanations of new concepts and utilize various strategies to help students connect new knowledge with what they have previously learned. Assessment strategies are generally well-implemented, allowing teachers to gauge pupils' understanding and inform their teaching. However, there are a few subjects where assessment strategies could be improved to enhance pupil achievement further.
Reading is prioritized at the school, with a diverse selection of books available to students. Regular story times and access to reading materials support the development of a love for reading among pupils. The phonics program is effectively delivered, enabling children in the Reception class to quickly learn letters and sounds, which continues systematically throughout their early years. Most pupils become confident readers by the end of key stage one, with additional support provided to those who struggle.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can access the curriculum and experience success. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, actively engaging with their teachers and peers, and demonstrating a willingness to assist classmates in need. The school prioritizes the personal development of its pupils, instilling values such as forgiveness and kindness, and fostering spiritual growth through reflective practices.
Leadership and governance at St Richard’s are strong, with experienced governors holding school leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. Staff take pride in their work and the supportive environment cultivated within the school. Safeguarding measures are effective, with well-trained staff able to identify and support at-risk pupils. The school engages with external agencies to provide timely support for vulnerable students and teaches pupils how to stay safe, both online and in their local community.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for improvement in the consistency of assessment strategies across all subjects to ensure that all pupils can achieve their highest potential. Overall, St Richard’s Roman Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, characterized by a supportive community, effective teaching, and a commitment to the personal and academic development of its pupils.
