In a recent short inspection conducted on July 9, 2019, St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School in Whitworth, Rochdale, has been confirmed to continue its status as a 'good' school. This inspection marks the first since the school was last evaluated in May 2015, and the findings reflect the ongoing commitment of the leadership team to provide a high-quality education.
The inspection, led by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, highlighted the effective leadership of Mr. Nick Crabtree, who has been at the helm since September 2017. Under his guidance, the school has fostered a vibrant and welcoming learning environment characterized by calmness and attentive behavior among pupils. The school’s commitment to celebrating student achievements through colorful displays further enhances the positive atmosphere.
The leadership team has been proactive in evaluating the school’s effectiveness, identifying relevant priorities grounded in evidence. The school improvement plan reflects a constant drive for enhancement, ensuring that both staff and pupils are engaged in a culture of continuous improvement.
One of the notable strengths of St Bartholomew’s is its well-developed curriculum, which encourages pupils to hone their thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum not only prepares students for life in modern Britain but also showcases their creativity, as evidenced by high-quality artwork and writing projects commemorating significant historical events.
Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are making good progress across the curriculum. By Year 6, their progress aligns with national averages, with most reaching expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The effective use of pupil premium funding has further supported disadvantaged pupils, enabling them to achieve comparable, if not better, outcomes than their peers.
The school community is supportive, with parents expressing appreciation for the visible presence of staff and their commitment to going above and beyond to meet the needs of families. The positive feedback from parents is echoed in the supportive governance structure, where governors are actively involved in monitoring pupil progress and the effective use of additional funding.
In response to previous inspection recommendations, the school has made significant strides in enhancing middle leadership and sustaining educational quality. Subject leaders are now well-established, regularly assessing the quality of work and ensuring that action plans align with the school’s development priorities.
The inspection also focused on writing quality across the curriculum, an area that has seen marked improvement. The school has redesigned its curriculum to provide pupils with ample opportunities to write across various subjects, resulting in increased engagement and enjoyment in writing activities.
However, the inspection identified areas for further improvement, particularly in reducing persistent absenteeism and enhancing communication with parents regarding their children’s progress in the early years. The leadership team is committed to addressing these challenges, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive.
Overall, the inspection findings affirm that St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School remains a strong educational institution, dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement positions it well for future success.
