Saint Peter’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2023. The school fosters a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe, comfortable, and confident. Students express their appreciation for the supportive nature of the teachers, who are described as kind and always willing to help. The leadership team has established an ambitious curriculum that encourages pupils to aim high and strive for improvement, aligning with the school’s mission statement.
Pupils at Saint Peter’s demonstrate care and respect towards one another, exhibiting good manners and a positive attitude towards their education. They take pride in their school and are focused during lessons, contributing to a calm and purposeful classroom atmosphere. The implementation of the ‘Stop and Think Hands’ initiative serves as a reminder of behavioral expectations, ensuring that students are ready to learn. The school has a strong stance against bullying, with pupils reporting that it is infrequent and effectively addressed by the leadership when it does occur.
Reading is a central focus of the school’s success, with pupils learning to read accurately and fluently from an early age. The staff’s expertise in phonics instruction is evident, as they effectively teach pupils to blend sounds and read whole words. The selection of reading materials is engaging, and older pupils express enthusiasm for the books shared in class, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond school hours.
Subject leaders have organized the curriculum logically, allowing for progressive learning. Teachers are well-prepared and follow the curriculum plans closely, ensuring that lessons build on prior knowledge. This approach is particularly effective in mathematics, where pupils demonstrate proficiency in basic operations by the end of key stage two. In history, the curriculum is designed to enhance pupils’ chronological understanding, enabling them to place significant historical events on a timeline accurately.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, making necessary adaptations to ensure all students can access the curriculum and achieve their potential. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and emphasize the development of pupils’ spoken language, incorporating specific vocabulary into their lessons.
However, there are areas for improvement. In some foundation subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding essential knowledge and concepts, which may hinder pupils from gaining a comprehensive understanding. Additionally, the range of extracurricular activities is limited, restricting opportunities for pupils to explore diverse interests and talents.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and assistant headteacher, is effective in guiding the school. Staff express pride in their work environment and appreciate the training and mental health support available to them. The safeguarding measures in place are robust, with staff well-informed about procedures and pupils encouraged to report any concerns.
To enhance the educational experience, the school should refine its curriculum in foundation subjects to ensure depth of understanding and broaden the extracurricular offerings to foster a wider range of skills and interests among pupils. Overall, Saint Peter’s Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its students.
