St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Middleton, Leeds, has been evaluated as a good school following its recent inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils are motivated and eager to learn. They feel safe and happy, and the relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by care and respect. The staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, which contributes to the overall positive learning outcomes.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils demonstrating good behavior both in lessons and during social times. The behavior policy is understood and applied consistently, fostering respect among pupils and staff. Instances of bullying are rare and are addressed promptly by the staff. Pupils take pride in their leadership roles, such as school councillors and sports leaders, and they understand the importance of being good citizens and helping others. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that encourage pupils to engage in sports and creative pursuits.
The curriculum at St Philip’s is ambitious and well-structured, with a clear sequence of knowledge for each subject. Pupils generally achieve well in core subjects like English and mathematics. However, there are some foundation subjects where the curriculum is not as securely developed, leading to less depth in learning. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding, using this information to inform their teaching. They provide opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning, which aids in knowledge retention.
Pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support, with their needs accurately identified and met effectively. The school collaborates with external agencies to ensure these pupils receive the necessary assistance. Reading is emphasized throughout the curriculum, with a consistent approach to teaching reading that includes daily practice. A new library has been introduced, which pupils enjoy and take pride in, further promoting a love of reading.
The school has established high expectations for pupil behavior, which are consistently met. Most pupils maintain good attendance, and the school has effective systems in place to encourage regular attendance among those who struggle. In the early years, children exhibit good behavior and develop independence and resilience through well-planned activities that focus on communication and language development.
Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles and the importance of treating others fairly. However, their understanding of different cultures and faiths beyond their own is limited. The school recognizes the need to enhance this aspect of the curriculum to provide a broader perspective on modern Britain. Opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents through various clubs help foster character development and community commitment.
Leadership at the school is ambitious, with high expectations for all pupils. Parents express positive views about the school, and governors are actively involved in monitoring its performance. The school benefits from collaborations with other institutions and external organizations. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is consistently embedded across all subjects, particularly in foundation areas. Additionally, enhancing pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and faiths will contribute to their overall development and awareness of the world around them.
