St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Castleford has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, achieving a grade of good across all key areas including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is led by Executive Head Sarah Spencer and is part of the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, which provides additional support and oversight through its CEO Lesley Fitton and a board of trustees chaired by Julie Noble.
The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment that embodies its Catholic values, promoting positive relationships between staff and pupils. This nurturing atmosphere contributes to a supportive culture where students feel encouraged to succeed. High expectations set by the leadership are met by pupils, who demonstrate good behaviour in lessons and during social times. Engagement in lessons is high, with pupils eager to participate and displaying excellent manners and respect throughout the school.
The curriculum is enriched with meaningful activities, including trips to the seaside and woodlands, which enhance geographical learning, and visits to outdoor activity centres that promote teamwork skills. Pupils also have opportunities to engage in responsible citizenship through initiatives like the eco-council and by acting as ‘faith friends’ to embody the school’s virtues of kindness. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its pupils, with strong pastoral care ensuring that students know they can seek help from any adult in the school.
St Joseph’s is particularly ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, providing staff with regular phonics training to ensure effective teaching across year groups. High-quality phonics lessons are consistently delivered, and targeted support is provided to pupils at risk of falling behind, helping to close gaps in their reading knowledge. The early reading program is well-resourced, featuring a diverse range of books tailored to pupils’ reading abilities.
The wider curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, allowing pupils to build their knowledge over time. Adjustments made for pupils with special educational needs ensure their success. While assessment practices in reading and mathematics are effective, there is room for improvement in the wider curriculum to better identify gaps in pupils’ understanding. Behaviour management strategies are effectively implemented, with a reward system that motivates pupils to behave well, facilitating a focused learning environment.
Professional development for staff is prioritized, with access to training from both external experts and within the trust, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The early years provision is well-resourced, providing a supportive environment for children’s development, although there is a need for activities to be more closely aligned with children’s next steps in learning.
The school offers a variety of after-school clubs that enrich pupils’ experiences and promote personal growth. Leadership roles, such as school council representatives, are encouraged, helping pupils understand their potential impact on others. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of online safety and the connection between physical and mental health, engaging in activities that reinforce this knowledge.
While pupils have a strong grasp of some British values, there is a need for further development in understanding others, such as the rule of law and individual liberty. Governors and trustees are well-informed about their roles and actively support the school’s improvement efforts. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
