St Peter's Church of England Primary Academy, located in Stonnall, Walsall, underwent its first inspection in May 2019 and received a rating of good across all areas. The leadership team, including the executive headteacher and head of school, has effectively improved the quality of teaching and learning. They have established a clear vision for the school, fostering a collaborative environment among staff. The support from St Chad’s Academy Trust has been instrumental in this progress. The teaching of phonics is particularly strong, with pupils demonstrating confidence and enjoyment in reading.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas for improvement. While pupils are making progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, there is a need for greater challenge in lessons, especially for middle-attaining pupils. Current progress in mathematics remains below the national average by the end of key stage two. The quality of questioning by teachers varies, and when it is not effective, it leads to missed learning opportunities. The curriculum is creative, but leaders are looking to enhance it further to ensure pupils acquire essential skills.
In the early years, children receive a solid foundation, with strong leadership supporting good teaching and learning. Parents express satisfaction with their children's happiness and safety at school. Pupils exhibit positive behavior, being friendly, polite, and well-mannered. Middle leaders are becoming more involved in monitoring their subjects, but they are not yet fully accountable for outcomes, which limits their effectiveness.
The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, preparing them well for life in modern Britain. The leadership team has identified the need to improve the quality of leadership and management by developing middle leaders further and ensuring they are fully engaged in school improvement activities. Additionally, enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is crucial, particularly by increasing the challenge for all pupils and embedding effective questioning techniques.
The governance of the school is strong, with the local academy committee well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They actively engage with school leaders and support the school's development. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-trained staff. Pupils feel safe and are taught how to keep safe, including lessons on internet safety.
Overall, the school is making significant strides in improving outcomes for pupils. The leadership team is focused on raising standards in English and mathematics while ensuring a well-rounded education through a creative curriculum. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and with targeted actions, the school is well-positioned to enhance its effectiveness further. The positive relationships among staff, pupils, and the wider community contribute to a supportive learning environment where pupils can thrive.
