English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023. The school has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement.
The executive head of the school is Sarah Spencer, and it operates under the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust, which provides additional governance and support. The school has established a strong and caring culture, underpinned by Catholic values, which fosters positive relationships between staff and pupils. Students express enjoyment in their lessons and demonstrate progress over time. The school has also built strong connections with the local community, providing support to pupils and their families through external networks when necessary.
Pupils at English Martyrs are well-behaved and polite, with a consistent application of the school’s behaviour policy. They understand the importance of respect and care for one another, and dedicated pastoral staff are available to support their needs. Leadership opportunities are provided for pupils, allowing them to develop skills as peer buddies, librarians, and council members. Educational visits are particularly valued by students, contributing to their positive school experiences.
The curriculum is ambitious, with a focus on essential knowledge and skills across most subjects. However, some areas, such as history, have been identified as needing refinement, as the breadth of knowledge expected can be too broad. The school is encouraged to clarify the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils should retain and to establish smaller steps in learning to aid retention.
While there are regular opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning, there is inconsistency in checking for gaps in knowledge, which can lead to progression before pupils are fully prepared. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Most of these pupils access the same curriculum as their peers, but some require more tailored support to ensure they make rapid progress.
The early years provision is particularly strong, providing a positive start to learning with home visits and engaging sessions for families. Staff are quick to identify any additional needs, ensuring children receive the necessary support to thrive. Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a consistent approach to phonics teaching that enables pupils to develop their reading skills effectively. Interventions are promptly provided for those who struggle, ensuring they can catch up quickly.
Pupils are educated on staying safe online and in their daily lives, and they understand the importance of health and well-being. The school promotes active citizenship through leadership opportunities and community engagement. Governance is effective, with knowledgeable trustees who challenge and support school leaders. Professional development for staff is prioritized, contributing to a positive working environment.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to refine its curriculum to focus on essential knowledge and develop consistent systems for assessing pupil progress across all subjects. Additionally, support for some pupils with special educational needs must be more precisely tailored to their individual needs to enhance their learning outcomes. Overall, English Martyrs Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
