Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Cowley, Oxford, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 29 and 30, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, where staff know each pupil well and are committed to their success both academically and personally. The school promotes its core values of respect, understanding, affection, and humor, which are integral to the school culture. Pupils feel safe and well cared for, and they treat each other with respect, fostering a cooperative environment from the early years.
The quality of education provided is good, with leaders demonstrating a strong moral purpose to ensure that no child is limited by their background or additional needs. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified promptly, and effective support is implemented to ensure they can access the same learning opportunities as their peers. The curriculum is well-structured, particularly in core subjects such as English, science, and mathematics, where pupils can articulate their learning and make connections between concepts. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in foundation subjects like history, where the curriculum needs further development to ensure coherence in learning.
Reading is a top priority at the school, with staff receiving training to enhance their expertise in teaching reading. This focus begins in the early years and continues through the school, enabling pupils to develop a passion for reading. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities, and leaders are working to restore these opportunities following the pandemic. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school, contributing positively to the school environment and celebrating the diversity of the local community.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with leaders understanding the needs of their pupils and families. Staff are well-trained in identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns, ensuring that pupils know they have someone to talk to if they feel worried. The school maintains accurate records of pre-employment checks on staff, which are regularly reviewed by governors.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement. Leaders need to refine the curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure that learning is as effective as in core subjects. Additionally, pupils in key stage one require more opportunities to consolidate their learning in these subjects to build their confidence in recalling and discussing what they have learned.
Overall, Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Primary School provides a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and personal development. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. The school’s ethos, combined with effective teaching and a focus on safeguarding, contributes to a positive learning experience for all students.
