St Margaret Clitherow's RC Primary School, located in South Bank, Middlesbrough, underwent an inspection on 24 and 25 September 2024. The school has received commendable ratings across various categories, including good for the quality of education and outstanding for behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Clare McNicholas, leads the school, which is part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Hugh Hegarty and chaired by Joseph Hughes.
The school fosters a highly inclusive environment where pupils thrive. Relationships among pupils and between pupils and adults are warm and caring, promoting high levels of respect. Pupils engage positively in conversations and feel their opinions are valued by adults. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, participates fully in school life. Resources are thoughtfully selected to enrich the curriculum, and leaders are committed to continuous improvement in educational offerings.
Pupils enjoy attending school, with most arriving on time and regularly. They understand the importance of equality and celebrate diversity. Parents and carers appreciate the school's focus on children's safety and well-being. The school actively collaborates with counselors, charities, and food banks to provide emotional and practical support to families.
The curriculum is ambitious and begins in the early years, with a consistent teaching approach across subjects. Lessons are well-structured, and teachers effectively help pupils retain knowledge through regular recaps. Misconceptions are addressed promptly, and pupils are engaged and enthusiastic about their learning. The school has implemented a strong phonics program, ensuring that reading is well-supported, although there is a noted need for improvement in writing support for some pupils.
In the early years, the curriculum emphasizes communication and personal development, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Children typically enter nursery with lower-than-expected starting points, but the school prioritizes language development, connecting early learning to key stage one. Activities are well-planned to encourage communication and independence, and children demonstrate high levels of concentration.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior throughout the school, adhering to established routines and responding positively to high expectations set by adults. The behavior policy is well understood, and rewards are consistently applied. Attendance has improved over time, with the school actively addressing any concerns and fostering strong relationships with families to ensure regular attendance.
The school offers an extensive personal development program tailored to the community's needs. Pupils feel safe and are knowledgeable about online safety. They have a solid understanding of British values and different cultures. The school provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sports, music, and arts, and organizes educational visits to enhance social and cultural knowledge.
The trust has a clear vision for the school, focusing on delivering high-quality education. Staff feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive school environment. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
Despite the school's strengths, there is a need to enhance the writing curriculum, particularly for pupils who require additional support in technical aspects such as spelling, punctuation, grammar, and handwriting. Addressing these areas will help ensure that all pupils can write independently across the curriculum. Overall, St Margaret Clitherow's RC Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
