St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Gloucester has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4 and 5, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community and family, guided by its mission statement, which emphasizes living, loving, and learning together to create a better world. Pupils appreciate the opportunity to interact with peers from different year groups and express enthusiasm for the school environment, particularly the outdoor spaces available for play and learning.
The relationships formed between pupils and staff are notably strong, beginning in the early years when staff take the time to understand each child's needs and interests. This supportive atmosphere contributes to the positive attitudes most pupils exhibit towards learning. The school has established a culture where bullying is rare, and pupils feel confident that there are adults available to help them with any concerns.
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School emphasizes values such as compassion, kindness, and wisdom, which help pupils learn how to treat one another respectfully. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, trips, and visits that broaden pupils' experiences beyond the classroom. The inclusive nature of the school ensures that it meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers effectively adapt learning to ensure that all pupils can access the broad and balanced curriculum.
While the school is making strides in improving its curriculum, there are areas that require further development. Leaders have begun to carefully consider the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn and remember, ensuring that learning builds over time. However, this consistency is not yet evident across all subjects, leading to some pupils lacking secure recall of their learning. The school is working to ensure that the curriculum is coherent and sequential in all subjects.
Reading instruction begins in Reception Year, with a consistent approach to teaching phonics. Books are matched to the sounds pupils have learned, and those who struggle receive timely support to catch up. Pupils enjoy listening to stories and discussing books, although some do not read widely for pleasure. The school provides various opportunities to foster a love of reading, including library visits and participation in local reading festivals.
In mathematics and early reading, teachers assess pupils' knowledge and identify gaps in learning. However, this practice is not uniformly applied across all subjects, and assessment information is not yet effectively used to address knowledge gaps. The school has high expectations for behavior, and while most pupils understand these expectations, a minority may struggle with behavior on the playground. Staff are proactive in addressing these issues, ensuring that lessons remain calm and focused.
The school has a robust personal development program that extends beyond academics, teaching pupils about responsibility and respect for diverse communities and cultures. Pupils learn the importance of supporting those in need and how to maintain their safety and well-being. Leadership roles, such as those in the school council and eco council, provide pupils with opportunities to understand responsibility and democratic processes, although their understanding of fundamental British values is somewhat limited.
Parents express positive views about the school, highlighting the supportive nature of the staff. Staff members enjoy their work environment and feel well-supported by school leaders, who consider their workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, while St Peter’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of curriculum delivery and assessment practices across all subjects.
