St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy in Wolverhampton has undergone a recent inspection, achieving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, led by headteacher Stacy McHale, is part of the St Francis and St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Company. The inspection took place on 16 and 17 April 2024, and it highlighted several strengths of the school, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good.
The school serves a diverse community, welcoming families from various faiths and backgrounds. Leaders have fostered a warm and inclusive environment where differences are celebrated, allowing pupils to thrive. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive atmosphere, making the transition into school smooth for children in the early years. The school actively engages families, inviting them into the school and visiting them at home to ensure a strong connection.
St Teresa’s offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs, which are well-attended by pupils. These clubs include crafts, sports, and academic classes, providing opportunities for students to enhance their learning outside the classroom. Pupils particularly enjoy attending local theater performances related to their reading material, further enriching their educational experience. The school encourages pupils to participate in fundraising activities, instilling a sense of community and social responsibility aligned with its ethos of Pray together, Aspire Together, Achieve Together.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, which is now well-planned and sequenced from early years through to Year 6. Leaders are closely monitoring the impact of this new curriculum, which has led to improvements in assessment practices in several subjects. Most teachers effectively check pupils’ understanding and provide feedback, enabling students to learn and retain knowledge over time. However, some subjects require better monitoring to ensure that all pupils have a secure understanding of prior knowledge before new concepts are introduced.
The school has successfully cultivated a love of reading among its pupils, implementing a well-understood reading strategy throughout the school. Classrooms feature reading corners, and the school library is actively used. Staff are equipped to support pupils who struggle with reading, ensuring that those with English as an additional language or gaps in their reading knowledge can catch up quickly.
The behavior policy is clear and tailored to the needs of the pupils, promoting a culture of respect and understanding. Pupils are taught to resolve conflicts through communication, leading to positive behavior and strong friendships. The school emphasizes the holistic development of each child, encouraging them to explore their interests and talents through various experiences, including visits to local attractions and participation in competitive sports.
While the school has many strengths, it must address the monitoring of certain subjects to ensure that all pupils retain the necessary knowledge for success. Additionally, consistent use of assessment across all subjects is needed to identify and address misconceptions promptly. Overall, St Teresa’s Catholic Primary Academy is providing a good quality of education, with effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The arrangements for safeguarding are also deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.