St Paul’s CofE Primary School in Stalybridge has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection in January 2020. The school is characterized by its strong Christian values, which are central to its ethos and operations. Pupils exhibit positive behavior, feel valued, and express happiness in their learning environment. They demonstrate a desire to learn and collaborate effectively with their peers. The leadership and teaching staff maintain high expectations for student achievement, encouraging pupils to persevere through challenges and seek assistance when needed.
Students reported feeling safe and well cared for, with a clear understanding of whom to approach with concerns. The school has established a robust system for addressing bullying, ensuring that any incidents are dealt with promptly. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, with a significant emphasis on developing personal skills. Pupils are exposed to a diverse range of subjects and participate in educational trips that enhance their learning experiences. Additionally, the school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, fostering a well-rounded education.
The curriculum for core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics is well-structured and effectively implemented. Subject leaders play a crucial role in guiding teachers to break down knowledge into manageable segments, which helps pupils build on their existing knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in art and design, design and technology, and French, where curriculum plans are not as thoroughly developed. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that learning in these subjects is clearly defined and assessed over time.
Reading is a key priority at St Paul’s, with a strong focus on vocabulary development in the early years. The phonics program is effectively implemented, with daily lessons that support early reading skills. Teachers provide additional help to pupils at risk of falling behind, and there has been a positive trend in the proportion of pupils meeting the expected standards in phonics assessments. In key stage two, pupils engage with high-quality texts during reading lessons, which contributes to their strong reading outcomes.
Mathematics instruction is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, with a particular focus on reasoning skills for those in key stage one. This approach has proven beneficial in addressing gaps in knowledge and skills. Writing instruction is also comprehensive, allowing pupils to develop their understanding of spelling, grammar, and punctuation across various subjects.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, with staff demonstrating high expectations and a clear understanding of individual needs. The curriculum is enriched through visits and guest speakers, enhancing the educational experience. Pupils also engage in after-school clubs, which contribute to their enthusiasm for learning and positive behavior.
The school promotes an understanding of different faiths and cultures, encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles such as prefects. This helps them develop a positive perspective on the world and their place within modern Britain. Staff are knowledgeable and skilled in their teaching, providing opportunities for pupils to explore and articulate their learning.
While the indoor learning environment is of high quality, the outdoor play area requires further development to match the standards of the indoor facilities. The school collaborates effectively with the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust, benefiting from the support provided to enhance staff expertise. Overall, St Paul’s CofE Primary School is a good school that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils while continuously seeking areas for improvement.
