St Augustine’s CofE Primary School, located at 380 Bolton Road, Pendlebury, Swinton, Manchester, recently underwent its first inspection since becoming an academy in September 2017. Conducted on January 12 and 13, 2022, the inspection yielded positive results, with the school receiving a Good rating across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The inspection team found that St Augustine’s is a happy school where pupils work diligently, achieve well, and foster positive relationships with one another. The school’s leadership has established high expectations for both behaviour and learning, which pupils strive to meet. Many students expressed that St Augustine’s is an excellent place to make friends, highlighting the supportive community within the school.
In the early years, children develop strong attitudes towards learning from their first days. They enjoy engaging with their peers and trust the adults who guide them. The school’s commitment to nurturing positive relationships between staff and pupils is a notable strength, with staff providing effective support for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Pupils feel safe at St Augustine’s and understand the concept of bullying, noting that it is infrequent. On the rare occasions it does occur, staff are quick to intervene and resolve issues. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs, and older pupils appreciate the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as becoming prefects or members of the school council.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education upon leaving Year 6. Teachers are knowledgeable about the key concepts that pupils need to learn, although some assessment strategies could be improved to better gauge pupils' retention of crucial curriculum elements. In the early years, children benefit from a well-structured curriculum that enhances their vocabulary and knowledge across various subjects. The phonics programme is well-implemented, enabling most pupils to become successful readers as they progress into Key Stage 1.
Pupils at St Augustine’s demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and engage respectfully with their teachers and peers. The school promotes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging pupils to develop confidence in social interactions. Leaders ensure that pupils’ broader development is well-supported, with lessons on different faiths, cultures, and British values. The school is proactive in identifying pupils with SEND, ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary resources and training to provide effective support.
Staff members express pride in working at St Augustine’s, with all respondents to the staff survey indicating they feel well-supported by school leaders. The high-quality training provided by leaders is particularly appreciated, and staff feel that their well-being is taken into consideration. Governors and trustees are well-informed about the school’s operations and have established a clear vision for improvement. They effectively manage resources and hold leaders accountable for the quality of education provided.
While the inspection report is largely positive, it does highlight areas for improvement. Leaders are encouraged to ensure that all pupils in the early stages of reading have access to texts that match the sounds they are learning. Additionally, enhancing assessment strategies will help teachers better understand and support pupils’ learning and retention of knowledge.
Overall, St Augustine’s CofE Primary School has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective learning environment. With a focus on continuous improvement, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for development. The positive feedback from pupils, staff, and parents reflects the school’s dedication to fostering a thriving educational community.
