Christ The King Roman Catholic Primary School, located in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, is a Voluntary Catholic Academy that has recently undergone an ungraded inspection. The inspection took place on November 16 and 17, 2023, and the overall judgement remains good. However, evidence suggests that the school may achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were conducted now. The executive headteacher, Mark Ryan, leads the school, which is part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Hugh Hegarty and a board of trustees chaired by Joseph Hughes.
Pupils at Christ The King thrive in a positive and welcoming environment where they feel happy and safe. They take pride in their achievements and celebrate their learning progress. The school offers a high-quality curriculum that effectively develops pupils' knowledge and skills from early years through to key stage two. High expectations are set for all aspects of school life, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating eagerness to learn. Their behaviour and attitudes towards learning are exceptional, with strong relationships between pupils and staff contributing to a positive atmosphere throughout the school.
Beyond the classroom, the school provides a rich array of extracurricular activities. Pupils engage in leadership roles, such as sports leaders and eco-warriors, and participate in various clubs that cater to diverse interests, including sports and drama. These opportunities enhance the school community and encourage pupils to take their roles seriously.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, outlining what pupils need to know and remember over time. Learning activities are purposeful and engaging, with a focus on language and vocabulary development. The early years curriculum lays a strong foundation for pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for key stage one. Phonics teaching is well-structured, enabling pupils to apply their knowledge enthusiastically in reading activities. The love of books is fostered throughout the school, with older pupils expressing enthusiasm for the literature they encounter.
In mathematics, the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, with a strong emphasis on understanding numbers from early years. Staff use assessments effectively to identify and address any gaps in learning. Pupils regularly engage in problem-solving and reasoning, linking new concepts to previously learned skills.
History is another area where the curriculum is carefully planned, with connections made between different historical periods. This approach helps pupils deepen their understanding and recognize the relevance of historical events to contemporary issues. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers.
High expectations for behaviour are established from the early years, with clear routines that promote focused learning. Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour, engaging purposefully in discussions about their learning. The school fosters a calm and harmonious environment during break times, with older pupils acting as buddies to younger students.
Christ The King prepares pupils well for their future, both academically and socially. The school offers a broad range of opportunities, including residential visits that allow pupils to experience life away from home. These experiences, along with carefully chosen school visits, enhance the academic curriculum and promote discussions on various topics, including personal development and British values.
Training for staff is purposeful, with collaborative working across schools helping to manage workloads effectively. Stakeholders maintain high expectations for the school and its pupils, ensuring a commitment to continuous improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all students. Overall, Christ The King Roman Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
