Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, located in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, underwent an inspection on June 6 and 7, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education also receiving a similar rating. However, the school demonstrated strengths in behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Holy Cross are generally happy and develop strong relationships with both staff and peers. They are familiar with their routines, behave well, and feel safe within the school environment. The school provides a variety of opportunities for students to engage with the local community, fostering a sense of pride and empathy among pupils. For instance, Year 5 students expressed enthusiasm about a recent art project at a nearby hospice, highlighting the positive impact of community involvement.
The leadership team at Holy Cross is ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, focusing on improving English and mathematics. As a result, pupils are now learning effectively in these subjects. However, many other subjects are still in the process of development, which affects overall pupil achievement across the curriculum. Parents and carers have expressed support for the school’s improvement efforts, noting positive changes under the new leadership.
The school has experienced significant leadership and staffing changes since the last inspection, but the interim executive headteacher and the governing body have worked to establish stability. They have effectively engaged with local authority support to enhance the teaching of English and mathematics. In these subjects, leaders have clearly defined what pupils should learn. However, similar clarity is lacking in other subjects, leading to inconsistencies in teaching and assessment.
Reading instruction is a priority, and staff have received training in the school’s phonics program, resulting in pupils becoming confident and fluent readers. The curriculum in early years is well-structured, with children showing high levels of motivation and engagement in their learning activities. The environment is rich in literacy and mathematics opportunities, promoting problem-solving and resilience among young learners.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities has improved, with timely identification and parental involvement in the process. However, due to the varying stages of subject development, these pupils do not always experience a clearly defined curriculum across all subjects.
Pupils demonstrate high expectations for behavior, showing respect to staff and peers. They are attentive in lessons and take pride in their achievements, participating in various extracurricular activities that promote their wider development. The governing body has a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, supporting leaders in implementing necessary changes.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and report concerns, and pupils feel confident in seeking help when needed. Overall, while Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has made strides in certain areas, significant improvements are still required in the curriculum development for wider subjects and assessment processes to ensure that all pupils are fully prepared for their future educational journeys.
