St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School, located in Southsea, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 24-25, 2019. The school is well-regarded by its pupils, who express a strong enthusiasm for their lessons and appreciate the supportive environment created by the staff. This positive atmosphere contributes to a sense of safety among students, who also enjoy extracurricular activities such as sports clubs and music lessons, including instruments like the flute, violin, and trumpet.
The school’s staff are dedicated to fostering academic success, personal development, and good behavior among pupils. Students demonstrate eagerness to learn and respond promptly to instructions, showing courtesy towards adults and peers alike. Their behavior is commendable both in lessons and throughout the school, with older students often taking on mentorship roles for younger ones. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and pupils are aware of how to address any issues, confident that staff will handle them effectively. Parents and carers also express satisfaction with the school, highlighting the warmth and respect shown by the staff towards their children.
The leadership team, including governors and staff, is committed to providing a vibrant curriculum. They have a clear understanding of what pupils should learn and when, ensuring that lessons challenge students to think critically and apply knowledge across different subjects. This approach supports the achievement of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is a noted need for improvement in geography and history, as students do not possess a sufficiently deep understanding of these subjects. The planning of learning in these areas requires enhancement to build knowledge in a more logical sequence.
The school prioritizes the broader development of its pupils, offering experiences that encourage active participation in school and community life. Pupils engage in musical performances at local events and reflect on the school’s values, which helps them understand moral concepts. They have opportunities to learn about teamwork and social responsibility through various activities, including a residential farm visit that emphasizes animal welfare.
Reading is a key focus for the school, with effective strategies in place to encourage a love for reading among pupils. The phonics program is implemented consistently, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to improve their reading skills. This emphasis on literacy contributes to the development of strong comprehension abilities in older students, who engage with carefully selected texts.
Pupils exhibit very good behavior, with minimal disruptions during lessons, allowing for a conducive learning environment. They listen respectfully to one another and their teachers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Learning extends beyond the classroom through educational visits that reinforce historical knowledge and skills.
The leadership team effectively supports staff in their roles, ensuring that unnecessary tasks are minimized. Staff feedback is valued and used to refine policies, contributing to a positive working environment. Early years education is well-structured, particularly in reading and mathematics, providing children with a solid foundation for future learning.
The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, with thorough checks conducted on staff and a commitment to pupil safety. Leaders are proactive in addressing concerns and collaborating with external agencies when necessary. Overall, St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with clear areas identified for further improvement in the curriculum.
