Saint Bernadette Catholic Primary School in London Colney has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various aspects of its operations. The school has shown significant improvement under new leadership, with a dedicated team that inspires both teachers and students. The focus on staff well-being and the sharing of best practices has fostered a positive teaching environment, leading to enhanced standards in mathematics, reading, and writing. Strong teaching in Key Stage 1 has cultivated a love for reading and problem-solving among younger pupils, while Key Stage 2 students are making better progress than in previous years. Teachers create engaging lessons that equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for their educational journey.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they make good progress and are fully included in school activities. The pupil premium funding is utilized effectively to assist disadvantaged pupils, who also show good progress. However, there is a noted need for improvement in the achievement of the most able disadvantaged pupils, particularly in writing. The development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding is strong, with good behavior observed both in lessons and around the school. Parents hold the school in high regard, appreciating the strong relationships fostered by staff and the attention given to pupils' well-being.
In the early years, children receive a solid start, with high-quality teaching that prepares them well for Year 1. However, the outdoor area lacks sufficient challenge for the most able children in early reading, writing, and mathematics. The curriculum is broad and balanced, complemented by trips and workshops that enhance learning across subjects. Despite improvements in leadership, new leaders are still developing their roles to maximize their impact on pupil outcomes.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance the teaching of the most able pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, to achieve higher standards across all subjects. This includes ensuring that writing is of high quality and developing pupils' capacity for independent learning. Additionally, the school seeks to improve the outdoor provision in early years to better support the development of the most able children. The role of new leaders will also be further developed to enhance their influence on improving pupil outcomes.
The leadership and management of the school are rated as good, with the headteacher demonstrating a strong commitment to providing the best education for all pupils. The school has established a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement, with high staff morale and strong relationships among staff. The effective use of funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities ensures that their specific needs are met, allowing them to make good progress.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment has improved, with a consistent approach to teaching reading, writing, and mathematics. Teachers are increasingly high in their expectations, although there is still room for growth in developing greater depth in writing skills. The personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils are also rated as good, with a strong emphasis on promoting a positive school ethos and community spirit. Overall, the school is well-regarded by parents and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in all areas of its operation.
