St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School in Prudhoe has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding marks for behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development. The headteacher, Martin Gray, leads the school, which is part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees, ensuring a collaborative approach to governance and management.
The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to become confident learners. The curriculum has undergone significant improvements, leading to better retention of essential knowledge among students. Pupils demonstrate strong academic performance and are well-prepared for future learning. Their behaviour is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on communication skills from early years. Staff foster positive relationships, enabling pupils to express their feelings and seek help when needed, contributing to a safe and supportive environment.
Pupils actively engage with their local community, participating in charitable initiatives that promote empathy and social responsibility. The school’s curriculum includes diverse approaches to celebrating differences, such as assemblies that highlight the lives of significant historical figures. This promotes respect and tolerance among pupils. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, which contribute to the physical well-being of students.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Each subject is sequenced appropriately for different year groups, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support to succeed. The early years curriculum lays a strong foundation for future learning, with activities designed to develop essential skills in literacy and numeracy.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some foundation subjects have not yet implemented effective assessment systems to track pupils’ knowledge retention. This gap may hinder the identification and addressing of knowledge gaps in certain subjects. Furthermore, younger pupils face challenges in writing, as misconceptions are not consistently addressed, impacting their preparedness for future writing tasks.
The school promotes a culture of high attendance and low disruption, with staff effectively managing any behavioural issues that arise. The behaviour curriculum is well-implemented, fostering a calm learning environment. The school’s commitment to safeguarding is evident, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils.
Opportunities for personal development are abundant, with a curriculum that prepares pupils for life in modern Britain. The school encourages participation in various activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that the needs of all pupils are met.
Overall, St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering a positive school culture. The school’s leadership is dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally. The inspection highlights the school’s strengths while also identifying areas for growth, particularly in assessment practices and addressing writing misconceptions among younger pupils.
