St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, located in Runcorn, Cheshire, recently underwent an inspection by Ofsted, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of Good. This voluntary academy, part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Nedra Sothern, with support from an interim headteacher, John Marciniak, and executive headteacher, Steve Jevons.
The school prides itself on being a warm and welcoming place for pupils. During the inspection, it was noted that students are eager to learn and form friendships, creating a happy and safe atmosphere. The school sets high expectations for achievement, and pupils consistently meet these standards, demonstrating positive attitudes towards their learning and taking pride in their work.
Pupils at St Augustine’s exhibit commendable behaviour, contributing to a calm and purposeful school environment. The ethos of be ready, show respect, aim high is evident in the way students interact with one another and respond to staff. Older pupils have access to various extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and residential trips, which further enrich their school experience.
The curriculum at St Augustine’s is well-structured and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, enabling them to deliver lessons that build pupils' knowledge effectively over time. However, the inspection highlighted that in a few subjects, the school has not clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn, which can hinder effective teaching and assessment.
Reading is a priority at St Augustine’s, with a wide range of resources available to foster a love of reading among pupils. The school’s phonics programme is delivered consistently well, ensuring that children develop fluency and accuracy in reading from an early age.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with SEND, allowing for timely access to necessary support. Teachers adapt their curriculum delivery to ensure that these pupils can learn alongside their peers, resulting in positive outcomes for all students.
St Augustine’s benefits from a supportive culture among staff, with access to effective professional development opportunities provided by the trust. This commitment to staff development has enhanced the quality of education delivered at the school.
Parents are actively involved in their children's education, with initiatives such as stay-and-learn sessions fostering a strong home-school partnership. The school values the input of parents and encourages their participation in the educational journey of their children.
In conclusion, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School stands out as a model of excellence in education, with a strong focus on pupil achievement, behaviour, and personal development. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curriculum clarity for certain subjects, the overall effectiveness of the school is commendable. With a dedicated leadership team and a supportive community, St Augustine’s is well-positioned to continue its journey of success in the years to come.
