St Simon and St Jude CofE Primary School in Leicester has been recognized for its significant improvements since the last inspection, achieving a Good rating across all areas. The leadership team, particularly the headteacher, has played a crucial role in fostering a positive and ambitious learning environment. The school community, including pupils, parents, and staff, has collaborated effectively to enhance the school's ethos, leading to a sense of pride among students who wear their new uniforms with confidence.
The quality of teaching has notably improved, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and effectively tailoring their lessons to meet the needs of their pupils. This has resulted in good progress across all key stages, with rising attainment levels. The curriculum is engaging and well-structured, which has helped maintain pupils' focus and enthusiasm for learning. In the early years, children are thriving, participating actively in exciting activities that promote their development.
Pupils enjoy attending school, and attendance rates have improved significantly, with lower levels of absence compared to other schools. The staff serve as excellent role models, promoting values of respect and care, which contribute to the positive behavior observed among pupils. The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, ensuring that pupils are reflective and socially aware. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is a key strength, with various opportunities for them to engage in community service and charity work.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for further improvement. The most able pupils are not consistently challenged to reach their full potential, and there is a need for more effective planning and delivery in certain subjects to ensure that all pupils retain key knowledge. The leadership team is aware of these challenges and is committed to addressing them in the upcoming academic year.
The governance of the school is strong, with a local governing body that supports and holds leaders accountable for their actions. They are actively involved in monitoring the impact of funding, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support their learning.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential issues. The school works closely with parents and external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. The positive feedback from parents reflects their confidence in the school's leadership and the improvements made since the last inspection.
Overall, St Simon and St Jude CofE Primary School has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, with effective leadership, quality teaching, and a supportive environment that fosters the personal and academic growth of its pupils. The school is well-prepared to build on its successes and address the areas identified for further development, ensuring that all pupils receive the high-quality education they deserve.
