St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, located in Station Fields, Garforth, Leeds, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in 2012. The inspection, conducted on 9 and 10 November 2022, yielded impressive results, with the school receiving an overall effectiveness rating of Good, alongside Outstanding ratings in both Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.
The school prides itself on fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, underpinned by its core virtues of faithfulness, courage, and respect. Leaders have crafted an inclusive curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of all pupils, ensuring that they feel happy, safe, and eager to attend school. Parent feedback highlights a strong sense of community, which inspectors corroborated during their visit.
Staff at St Benedict’s maintain high expectations for both academic performance and behaviour. Pupils consistently demonstrate exceptional behaviour throughout the school day, showing respect for one another and a strong commitment to their learning. The school has effectively addressed bullying, with pupils expressing confidence that any issues will be swiftly resolved by adults.
St Benedict’s offers a wealth of extracurricular activities that promote wider personal development. The extensive range of after-school clubs is well-attended, and pupils actively participate in community and charity work, such as delivering harvest donations to local charities. Partnerships with local businesses further enhance pupils' understanding of potential career paths.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum across most subjects, although some areas, such as design and technology and art and design, are still in the development phase. While effective systems are in place for assessing learning in English and mathematics, there is a need for greater consistency in the assessment of foundation subjects. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that assessment practices are uniformly applied across all subjects to address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
The early years curriculum is tailored to the context of the school and the interests of the children. Positive relationships between staff and children foster an environment conducive to learning. However, there are occasions when interactions do not fully extend children’s vocabulary as intended. The focus on physical development is commendable, with numerous opportunities for children to enhance their motor skills.
Significant strides have been made in improving early reading and phonics instruction. All staff are trained to deliver the phonics programme effectively, ensuring that pupils’ reading materials align with their phonetic knowledge. Personalized interventions are in place for those who struggle to keep pace, helping them catch up with their peers.
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a notable strength of St Benedict’s. The SEND coordinator has established positive relationships with families and effectively utilizes external agencies for additional support. Pupils with SEND are integrated into the curriculum alongside their peers and have access to extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall sense of belonging and support.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust, with policies and procedures tailored to the school’s context. Staff are well-trained and aware of the necessary protocols for addressing safeguarding concerns. Pupils report feeling safe and know whom to approach with any worries.
In conclusion, St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School stands out as a model of excellence in education, demonstrating a commitment to high standards, inclusivity, and the holistic development of its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of assessment practices across foundation subjects, the school’s strengths far outweigh these challenges. With a dedicated leadership team and a supportive community, St Benedict’s is well-positioned to continue its journey of growth and success.
