St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Wigton, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 5, 2020. The pupils express pride in their school and demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for learning, striving to meet the high expectations set by the staff. Punctuality and regular attendance are notable among the students, who enjoy supportive and caring relationships with their teachers. The school environment fosters happiness and safety, with staff readily available to address any concerns. Students report having many friends and a positive social atmosphere, as observed during their interactions in the playground.
Behavior within the school is generally commendable, with students moving calmly and orderly throughout the premises. While instances of bullying do occur, they are addressed promptly by the staff. Pupils are actively involved in decision-making processes, taking on roles such as school councillors and librarians. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the strong leadership and the approachable nature of the staff.
The school excels in early years education, with children achieving well and showing significant improvement in reading and writing by the end of key stage two. Despite previous staffing instabilities affecting key stage one data in 2019, current evidence indicates that students in this stage are now performing well. School leaders and governors possess a clear understanding of the institution's strengths and areas for improvement, having made significant changes to the curriculum. Most subjects are well-structured, allowing students to learn new content in a logical sequence, which aids retention and understanding.
However, some subjects, including art and design, design and technology, and modern foreign languages, require further development. The curriculum plans in these areas lack detail, making it challenging for teachers to build on students' existing knowledge effectively. Additionally, some subject leaders are new to their roles and may need further training to lead their subjects effectively.
The school places a strong emphasis on developing confident speakers and fluent readers. In the early years, staff actively promote language development through engaging activities. Phonics instruction is implemented from the outset, and pupils are encouraged to read books that align with their phonics knowledge. While younger students demonstrate increasing fluency in reading, older pupils exhibit a genuine love for literature, discussing their favorite authors with enthusiasm. Nonetheless, there is room for improvement in promoting reading throughout the school and providing access to a wider range of texts that enhance learning in various subjects.
Leaders are working on a systematic approach to mathematics planning, which is progressing well. Early years students show proficiency in counting and basic addition. Teachers effectively use assessments to tailor activities to students' prior knowledge, fostering connections between different mathematical concepts. Pupils take pride in their achievements and display eagerness to learn, reflected in their classroom behavior.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, learning alongside their peers. The school offers a variety of trips and extracurricular activities to enrich students' experiences and promote their overall well-being. Staff morale is high, with teachers appreciating the leadership's efforts to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential welfare concerns. The school provides strong support for vulnerable families and has robust recruitment procedures. Overall, while St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum planning and the promotion of reading across subjects.