St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School in Coulsdon, Surrey, recently underwent a short inspection by Ofsted, which confirmed the school's continued good quality of education. The leadership team, led by Headteacher Mr. Diarmuid Skehan, has cultivated a positive and trusting culture within the school, with a strong Christian ethos that fosters a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere. Parents appreciate the school's family-like feel and its focus on pupils' social development and well-being.
Pupils at St Aidan’s demonstrate exceptional caring attitudes, collaborating effectively and showing respect towards each other and their teachers. Initiatives like the 'friendship committee' and pupil-led fundraising efforts reflect the school's commitment to developing a strong social conscience among its students. British values are prominently featured in school activities, with pupils actively participating in decision-making processes.
The leadership team and governors are dedicated to continuous school improvement, regularly reflecting on the impact of their initiatives. Observations of lessons provide valuable feedback to enhance teaching practices. Pupils are making good progress, with overall attainment levels above average by the end of Year 6. However, there is room for improvement in ensuring consistent progress across all year groups.
Safeguarding measures at St Aidan’s are effective, with staff well-trained to identify potential risks and harm. The school collaborates with external agencies to address concerns promptly. The school also focuses on the progress of disadvantaged pupils, with plans in place to allocate funding effectively to remove barriers to learning. Writing has been identified as an area for improvement, with the school making it a whole-school priority.
The wider curriculum at St Aidan’s is designed to be broad and engaging, allowing pupils to explore various subjects while developing essential skills. The curriculum promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, with opportunities to engage with challenging world issues. The inspection report outlines next steps for the school, including monitoring the impact of initiatives for disadvantaged pupils and maintaining high expectations for teaching practices.
Overall, the commitment of the leadership team and staff to continuous improvement bodes well for the future of St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School as it strives to provide an excellent education for all its pupils.
