St Luke’s C of E Primary School in Bury, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 22 and 23, 2023. The school is characterized by a vibrant and supportive environment where pupils express joy in their learning through warm interactions and a strong sense of belonging. The trust pupils place in their teachers fosters a safe atmosphere where they feel cared for and supported in both challenges and achievements. The school promotes a deep appreciation of diversity, encouraging pupils to look beyond superficial differences and fostering a culture of kindness and respect. Incidents of unkindness or bullying are addressed promptly and effectively by school leaders.
The school has high expectations for pupil behavior and academic effort, which pupils meet with enthusiasm. They engage actively in their education, demonstrating respect for their teachers and peers. Most pupils achieve well academically, benefiting from a well-structured curriculum that reflects their everyday lives and promotes understanding of equality and diversity. The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for their future roles as responsible citizens, with opportunities for them to take on leadership roles within the school community.
The learning journey at St Luke’s begins in the early years, where a carefully crafted curriculum lays the foundation for future learning. This approach ensures that children are well-prepared for their transition into Year 1. In key stages 1 and 2, the curriculum is organized to facilitate the development of knowledge over time. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be refined to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly defined and taught effectively. In some subjects, the breadth of content may hinder pupils from achieving a deep understanding, which is necessary for making connections across their learning.
Teachers at St Luke’s demonstrate strong subject knowledge and effectively check for understanding, helping pupils overcome misconceptions. While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt by some pupils who left Year 6 in 2022, current pupils are making significant progress in catching up on lost learning. The school has made strides in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with pupils developing a love for reading through exposure to a wide range of texts. The systematic approach to phonics instruction in the early years and key stage 1 has proven effective, enabling pupils to become fluent and enthusiastic readers. Pupils are engaged and focused during lessons, demonstrating excellent behavior and a commitment to their learning.
The school community is actively involved in shaping school rules and ensuring a safe environment. Leaders have successfully maintained high attendance rates, and pupils are encouraged to understand the importance of physical and mental well-being. They learn to recognize unhealthy relationships and how to respond to peer pressure.
Leaders at St Luke’s are committed to continuous improvement, seeking external support and valuing the contributions of the governing body. Staff members express positive sentiments about their roles and feel supported in their work. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, with a strong emphasis on training and awareness among staff to protect pupils from harm. Overall, St Luke’s C of E Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils, with a clear path for ongoing development and improvement.
