St Paul’s CofE Primary School in Royton, Oldham, underwent an inspection on September 11 and 12, 2019, and was rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection in March 2017, when the school was deemed to require improvement.
Pupils at St Paul’s are described as happy and secure, showing enthusiasm for their lessons and presenting their work to a high standard. They demonstrate good behaviour and cooperation with peers, and they appreciate the support from teachers in improving their work. The school fosters a respectful environment where both teachers and pupils value each other. Students express excitement about their lessons and the new reading materials, indicating a strong engagement with the curriculum. They also enjoy various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art, and take pride in participating in school teams.
Safety is a priority at St Paul’s, with pupils feeling secure and confident that their teachers will address any concerns, including bullying. The school’s leadership is committed to providing a good quality of education, ensuring that pupils achieve well across subjects. Personal development is a notable strength, with teachers promoting opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests.
The curriculum is well-structured, with clear plans that help teachers deliver lessons in a logical sequence. In subjects like science, pupils effectively apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. However, the curriculum in history and geography requires further development to ensure that pupils acquire the necessary knowledge in these areas. Reading is emphasized within the curriculum, with teachers trained in phonics to support all pupils in developing their reading skills. While most pupils become fluent readers, some boys in Years 4 and 5 struggle with reading accuracy and lack motivation.
Mathematics is a strong point for the school, with pupils demonstrating a solid understanding of calculations and multiplication tables, which they apply to solve complex problems. The physical education curriculum also provides ample opportunities for pupils to engage in physical activity and learn about healthy living.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is effective, with tailored work that meets their individual challenges. The specially resourced provision for pupils with speech, communication, and language difficulties is particularly beneficial, helping these students gain confidence and make progress.
Leadership at St Paul’s is characterized by a supportive and motivating environment for staff, fostering a committed team approach. Parents feel welcomed and confident in communicating with teachers, contributing to a strong school community focused on pupil success. The early years provision is effective, with children feeling safe and developing independence quickly. Staff prioritize early speaking skills and mathematical understanding, preparing children well for Year 1.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with well-trained staff who prioritize pupil safety and mental health. Leaders act promptly on any concerns and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support.
To improve further, the school should ensure that all pupils acquire the agreed knowledge in history and geography and address the reading challenges faced by some disadvantaged boys in Key Stage 2. Overall, St Paul’s CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for all pupils.
