St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School in Wythenshawe, Manchester, has received a positive inspection report, indicating an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on 12 and 13 March 2024, and the school has maintained this rating since its previous inspection in January 2023. The head of the school, Elisabeth Simmons, leads a dedicated team that is part of the Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Sacha Humphries and a board of trustees chaired by Nick Johnson.
Pupils at St Elizabeth’s enjoy their time at school, valuing the relationships they build with teachers and peers. They demonstrate confidence and good manners, engaging positively with visitors. The school environment is calm and purposeful, allowing students to focus on their learning. The school has high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that personal, social, and emotional support contributes significantly to their academic success.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, providing a strong foundation for pupils from early years through to Year 6. Children in the early years settle quickly and develop a love for learning through engaging activities. The school has identified essential knowledge across subjects, which builds on prior learning in a logical manner. Teachers are well-trained and utilize their subject knowledge effectively to facilitate learning. Most pupils progress well and achieve commendable results, particularly in reading, although some subjects require clearer definitions of essential knowledge to enhance teaching and assessment.
Reading is a priority at St Elizabeth’s, with children in the nursery exposed to stories and rhymes that enrich their vocabulary. The phonics program is delivered effectively, ensuring that pupils read books that align with their learning. Staff are attentive to those who may struggle, providing timely support to help them catch up. The school library is frequently visited, and older pupils express enthusiasm for the books they read.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, ensuring they are included in all aspects of school life. Behaviour is generally excellent, with pupils understanding school routines, which fosters a safe and productive learning environment. The school has established strong partnerships with families and has implemented effective attendance management procedures, leading to improved attendance rates.
St Elizabeth’s promotes pupils’ wider development and welfare, teaching them about healthy relationships and respect for diversity. A variety of extracurricular clubs, including sports and creative activities, are available, and pupils are educated on online safety and rights. However, there is a noted gap in pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values, particularly regarding democracy, which the school aims to address to better prepare students for life in modern Britain.
Staff at the school express pride in the collaborative culture and feel supported in their roles. The school considers staff workload when implementing curriculum changes. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its provision, the school needs to clearly define the key knowledge in a few subjects to improve delivery and assessment. Additionally, increasing pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values will better equip them for future challenges. Overall, St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
