St Wulstan’s Catholic Primary School, located in Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staffordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 11-12, 2020. The school fosters a strong sense of community among leaders, staff, and parents, all working collaboratively for the benefit of the pupils. High expectations are set by the leaders, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating a commitment to their learning. The environment is characterized by safety and security, with pupils expressing enjoyment in attending school and engaging with their peers and teachers. They exhibit good behavior and a willingness to learn, contributing to an orderly atmosphere throughout the school.
Pupils at St Wulstan’s have a clear understanding of the school’s values, particularly emphasizing determination, compassion, kindness, and honesty. They recognize how these values influence their daily interactions, such as showing kindness during visits to local care homes. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the strong connections with the church and the welcoming atmosphere of the school.
The school excels in its early years provision, with children in Nursery and Reception feeling settled and happy. Teachers provide engaging activities that build on prior knowledge, sparking excitement in learning. The classrooms and outdoor areas are well-resourced, supporting a variety of learning experiences. Communication with parents is maintained through an online tool and regular face-to-face interactions, which parents appreciate.
In core subjects like English and mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing teachers to clearly understand what to teach and when. This structured approach enables pupils to build on their knowledge effectively, resulting in above-average performance in national tests. Disadvantaged pupils also achieve commendably. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and often create links between different subjects, enhancing the learning experience. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the computing curriculum, where staff lack sufficient subject knowledge, leading to gaps in pupils’ understanding.
While teachers generally tailor work to meet pupils’ abilities, there is a noted need for more challenge for the most able pupils in English writing tasks. This lack of challenge can hinder their potential. Reading is prioritized across the school, with high-quality texts used in English topics. Phonics instruction is effective, contributing to pupils’ fluency in reading from an early age, which supports their learning in other subjects.
Pupils appreciate the diverse range of extracurricular activities, including trips and after-school clubs, which enrich their educational experience. The school’s leaders and governors are aware of its strengths and areas needing improvement, actively working with staff to foster continuous development. Teachers feel supported in their professional growth, with leaders considering their well-being.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff well-trained to address any concerns regarding pupil safety. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, particularly in online environments. However, improvements are needed in the implementation of the computing curriculum and in providing appropriate challenges for the most able pupils in writing tasks. Overall, St Wulstan’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong community ethos and a commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
