St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, located in Duston, Northampton, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 17-18, 2019. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and well cared for. Students express enjoyment in their lessons and appreciate the support they receive from teachers, which helps them achieve their best. Strong relationships between adults and pupils contribute to a positive atmosphere, with good-natured interactions and respectful behavior evident throughout the school. For instance, pupils greet their teachers with handshakes upon entering the classroom, and older students assist younger ones during lunchtime, fostering a sense of community.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, enhancing the learning experience beyond the classroom. Recent educational trips, such as a visit to Bletchley Park, have enriched pupils' understanding of historical events. Parents and carers generally hold the school in high regard, valuing the quality of education and care provided by the staff.
The quality of education at St Luke’s is commendable, with leaders aiming for all pupils to excel in a supportive setting. The curriculum is designed with sequenced learning steps in most subjects, although some areas need improvement in demonstrating how knowledge connects over time. Leaders are actively reviewing curriculum plans to address this issue. Teachers are well-prepared and understand what to teach and when, ensuring that pupils are equipped with the necessary knowledge before tackling more challenging material. For example, Year 2 pupils in physical education effectively applied their understanding of basic movements in a tag rugby game.
Teachers adapt lesson plans to ensure that pupils gain a solid understanding across most subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive additional support, enabling them to achieve well. The school has implemented effective strategies to help these pupils catch up or progress to more challenging work promptly. Early readers benefit from a strong phonics program, with teachers trained to support their reading development from the start of the Reception Year. This approach has resulted in good progress in reading, with pupils developing a strong vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Mathematics instruction is also effective, with lessons designed to build essential knowledge and skills. However, some teachers do not consistently maintain high expectations for the quality of pupils' written work, which can lower standards across subjects. Staff receive strong support and training, and they appreciate the consideration given to their well-being and workload.
The school promotes personal development through various extracurricular activities and quality pastoral care. Initiatives like the KCAR club provide support during lunchtimes, and pupils take an active role in leading collective worship, addressing important issues such as bullying. The early years environment is engaging, and communication with parents is effective, with workshops offered to assist them in supporting their children's learning at home.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Luke’s are robust, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Staff and governors receive regular training to identify potential risks, and designated leaders act promptly to ensure pupil safety. The school teaches pupils how to stay safe in various situations, including online safety.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. Leaders should ensure that curriculum plans clearly outline how knowledge is interconnected across subjects. Additionally, all teachers must maintain high expectations for the quality of pupils' work to enhance overall standards.
