Priory Roman Catholic Primary School in Torquay has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a Good rating across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The school environment is described as happy and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on values such as kindness and integrity. Pupils feel safe and enjoy their time at school, often expressing that the school feels like a family.
Leaders at Priory have high expectations for all students, promoting a culture of readiness, respect, and safety. Pupils are well aware of what constitutes bullying and feel confident that any issues would be addressed promptly by staff. The positive attitudes towards learning are evident, with students eager to acquire new knowledge. Early years children quickly adapt to school routines, setting a solid foundation for their educational journey.
The school benefits from extensive outdoor spaces, including an adventure playground and an area dedicated to animal care, where students learn responsibility by caring for rabbits and chickens. This outdoor environment fosters respect and patience among pupils, contributing to a calm atmosphere where friendliness and courtesy are the norms.
The curriculum at Priory is rich and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders carefully consider the organization of classes and regularly review this structure. Subject leaders have meticulously planned the knowledge that pupils need to acquire, ensuring that learning is sequenced effectively to build on prior knowledge over time. The early years curriculum is broad and engaging, capturing children's interests while maintaining a clear educational purpose.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with staff skilled in providing appropriate challenges while scaffolding learning as needed. Regular assessments allow teachers to monitor progress and address any gaps or misconceptions swiftly. Reading is a key focus, with pupils enjoying story time and understanding how texts relate to their broader curriculum. The phonics program is structured to support early readers, although there are some inconsistencies in its delivery across classes, leading to occasional misconceptions.
Pupils take pride in their school, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and exhibiting low levels of disruption. While attendance is generally good, some pupils are persistently absent, which affects their educational experience. The school actively works with families to improve attendance rates.
Pupils learn about fundamental British values, discussing the importance of democracy and mutual respect. They engage in various extracurricular activities, including clubs focused on woodland exploration, choir, and animal care. The establishment of a local governing body has strengthened governance, with a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Staff report feeling well-supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with strong relationships between staff and pupils allowing for quick identification of any behavioral changes. Staff receive regular training, ensuring they are well-equipped to maintain a safe environment. Pupils understand healthy relationships and online safety, knowing they have trusted adults to turn to with concerns.
Overall, Priory Roman Catholic Primary School has made commendable progress, creating a nurturing and effective educational environment while continuing to address areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and consistency in phonics instruction.
