St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, located in Redfield, Bristol, has recently undergone an inspection on July 9 and 10, 2024. The school has been rated as good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Michele Marshall, leads the school, which operates as a single-academy trust overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Joanna Deasey. The school was last inspected 11 years ago, receiving an outstanding rating under a previous framework. The long gap between inspections was due to the school being exempt from routine inspections until November 2020.
Pupils express pride in attending St Patrick's, highlighting the school's values that foster a sense of community characterized by kindness and fairness. Parents appreciate the nurturing and inclusive environment, noting the care staff provide to students and their families. The school's behaviour charter sets high expectations, and pupils demonstrate politeness and good manners, contributing to a calm and respectful atmosphere. Positive relationships between staff and pupils are evident, with students feeling safe and supported in sharing concerns.
The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles, such as participating in the chaplaincy team or school council, which helps them plan and lead events. Pupils also enjoy various extracurricular activities, including music, where they showcase their talents in concerts. The school is ambitious for all pupils, effectively managing staffing changes without compromising educational quality. The curriculum is well-designed and sequenced, emphasizing spoken language for pupils with English as an additional language, enabling them to progress effectively.
Reading is a priority, with pupils enjoying access to a newly refurbished library. Early reading instruction begins as soon as children start school, and those who fall behind receive necessary support to catch up. Assessment practices are generally effective in most subjects, particularly in mathematics, where strategies are employed to reinforce learning. However, in some wider curriculum subjects, assessment is not utilized as effectively, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), utilizing external advice to tailor support. While younger pupils show focus and older pupils demonstrate increasing independence, some SEND plans lack precision, hindering progress for certain students. The school promotes regular attendance and intervenes promptly when attendance declines.
Pupils are encouraged to respect diverse beliefs and understand the importance of mental and physical health. They engage in charitable activities, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Governors and trustees share the school's ambition and have a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. Staff value collaboration with local schools, enhancing their professional development.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to improve the use of assessment in some subjects to identify knowledge gaps and adapt learning for pupils with SEND. Overall, St Patrick's Catholic Primary School provides a supportive and effective educational experience, fostering personal development and academic achievement while recognizing areas for growth.
