St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Portsmouth has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters a vibrant and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and proud to be part of the community. New students are quickly integrated, forming strong friendships and receiving support from their peers. The school emphasizes inclusivity, with pupils actively engaging with one another and showing curiosity about each other's diverse backgrounds. The atmosphere is described as familial, where acceptance is a core value.
Pupils respond positively to the school's high expectations, demonstrating determination in their learning, even when faced with challenges. They collaborate effectively to solve problems and share resources during playtime, reflecting respectful behavior that aligns with the school's principles. The staff's understanding of each pupil is a significant strength, contributing to a supportive culture where students feel safe to express their concerns. The school has established effective pastoral support systems, ensuring that pupils receive timely assistance when needed.
The curriculum at St Paul’s is well-structured, ambitious, and designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Subject leaders utilize their expertise to continuously enhance the curriculum, which includes a broad range of knowledge beyond the national curriculum, particularly in subjects like music. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to help pupils build their understanding progressively from Nursery through Year 6. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and effectively teach new concepts, although there is room for improvement in the clarity of some explanations.
Assessment practices vary across subjects, with core subjects benefiting from sharp monitoring of pupil progress. However, in some foundation subjects, assessment does not consistently identify knowledge gaps or revisit prior learning, which can hinder pupils' retention of important information. The school is in the process of implementing a new assessment approach to address these issues.
Learning activities are thoughtfully planned and well-resourced, particularly in mathematics, where pupils have access to manipulatives that aid their understanding. The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, making necessary adaptations to ensure effective learning for all.
Reading is a strong focus at St Paul’s, with phonics instruction beginning in Nursery. The school closely tracks pupils' progress in reading, providing support to those who struggle, which has led to improved outcomes. Opportunities for reading across various texts are integrated into the curriculum, enhancing pupils' comprehension and enjoyment of literature.
Behavior across the school is commendable, with pupils displaying calmness and focus during lessons. They adhere to teachers' instructions and strive to meet high expectations. The school effectively supports pupils who may struggle with behavioral expectations, fostering a positive environment.
The school excels in developing pupils' character through a range of planned opportunities that broaden their understanding of the world. Pupils learn about different cultures and engage in leadership roles, which help them develop teamwork and democratic skills.
Leadership at St Paul’s is characterized by passion and diligence, with a focus on staff well-being and workload. Governors fulfill their responsibilities effectively, providing support and challenge to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To further improve, the school needs to embed its new assessment approach in foundation subjects to enhance pupils' understanding and retention of knowledge over time. Overall, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
