St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School in Bristol has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The school is led by headteacher Jayne Rawlinson and is part of The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Daniel Doyle and a board of trustees chaired by Iheanyi Christopher Izuka. The school has a strong reputation, having been previously rated outstanding seven years ago under a different inspection framework. The recent inspection took place on June 11 and 12, 2024, and it was noted that the school has maintained a high standard of education despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The school fosters a positive and respectful culture, where pupils of all ages are welcoming and courteous. They understand the importance of the school’s values, which promote kindness, gratitude, and forgiveness. Parents express satisfaction with the school’s commitment to excellence and the familial atmosphere it provides. Staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, resulting in polite and well-mannered students. The behavior of children in the early years is particularly commendable, with high levels of self-control and eagerness to learn.
Pupils feel safe and supported, with strong relationships established between staff and students. They are equipped with tools to recognize and manage their emotions, fostering a trusting environment where pupils can voice their concerns. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, which help develop leadership skills and teamwork among pupils.
The curriculum at St Teresa’s is ambitious and inclusive, designed to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language. The school places a strong emphasis on developing language skills, ensuring that all pupils progress effectively. Reading is a key focus, with pupils enjoying class novels that promote positive messages. Early reading instruction is effective, with teachers skillfully introducing new vocabulary and sounds. Mathematics instruction is also strong, with teachers presenting concepts clearly and encouraging connections to prior knowledge.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some subjects where staff may lack the necessary subject knowledge to teach effectively. This gap can hinder pupils from achieving the depth of understanding required in certain subjects. The school is aware of this and is committed to developing staff expertise to enhance the overall curriculum delivery.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Individual pupil plans are precise and regularly reviewed, ensuring that support is tailored to each child's requirements. The quality of support for pupils with speech and language needs is particularly high, enabling them to participate confidently in discussions and activities.
Pupils take pride in their learning and are motivated to succeed from an early age. The school has effective systems in place to manage attendance, working closely with parents to address any concerns. Most pupils attend regularly, contributing to a positive learning environment.
St Teresa’s places a strong emphasis on personal development, teaching pupils the importance of equality and respect for diverse backgrounds. They engage in community activities, such as singing at local care homes, which fosters a sense of responsibility and character development. The local governing body and trustees maintain a clear vision for the school, holding it accountable for its performance and ensuring that staff feel supported in their roles. Overall, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
