St Catherine's Catholic Primary School in Swindon has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 16 and 17, 2024. The school operates as a single academy trust, overseen by a board of trustees led by Christine Hopkins. The inspection highlighted the welcoming and friendly nature of the pupils, who take pride in their school and maintain strong relationships with the staff. The school fosters a sense of community grounded in values such as service, belief, and peace, which is evident in the pupils' commitment to charitable causes.
The curriculum at St Catherine's is designed to broaden pupils' perspectives, encouraging them to explore themes relevant to their local area. For instance, history lessons include visits to a railway museum, enhancing their understanding of transport development. The school also emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities, with all pupils learning a musical instrument and participating in theatrical and choral events, which help build their confidence and resilience. The pupils engage in competitive sports with other schools, demonstrating integrity and fair play.
Attendance is high, as pupils enjoy their time at school and understand the importance of striving to be their best. The ambitious curriculum prepares them well for future educational endeavors. The school carefully plans what pupils should learn and when, ensuring that the needs of those with special educational needs and disabilities are met through tailored adaptations. There is a strong focus on developing subject-specific vocabulary, particularly in subjects like computing.
The curriculum is well-structured from Nursery to Year 6, with effective assessment practices in place for the strongest subjects. Teachers monitor pupils' understanding to address misconceptions promptly. However, in some subjects, assessment practices are less developed, leading to gaps in knowledge. Early Years children receive a strong foundation, with staff teaching emotional literacy and fostering curiosity and concentration. High-quality literature is used to engage children, preparing them for reading in Reception.
The school's approach to early reading is systematic, ensuring that all children learn to read books that correspond to their phonetic knowledge. This consistency helps pupils blend sounds effectively, and those needing additional support are quickly identified to build their confidence as readers. Older pupils demonstrate a broad understanding of different genres and authors, enjoying reading in newly created reading nooks.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school, such as school councillors and house captains, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect. Their behavior is commendable, and they feel safe and supported by staff. The school incorporates periods of reflection into the daily routine, which pupils find beneficial for preparing for learning.
The governing body possesses a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Professional development for staff is prioritized, with training focused on early reading and specific subjects to enhance teaching quality. Staff feel valued and supported by their leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to enhance its assessment practices in certain subjects to better identify gaps in pupils' understanding. This will enable timely interventions to address any misconceptions and improve overall educational outcomes. The inspection marks the first ungraded assessment since the school was last judged to be good in December 2018, indicating a commitment to maintaining high standards in education.
