St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, located in Walworth, London, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy in February 2019. The inspection, conducted on 18 and 19 July 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has established a positive environment where staff are dedicated to fostering the learning and development of their pupils. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, highlighting the commitment of the staff to support their children’s individual learning journeys.
The leadership team at St Paul’s has set high expectations for pupils, which is reflected in their commendable behaviour and attendance rates. Pupils enjoy attending school and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, getting along well with one another. The school places a significant emphasis on developing resilience and confidence among its students, which is evident in their willingness to engage with visitors and introduce themselves. A notable focus on reading is apparent, with leaders ensuring that early reading skills are effectively taught and reinforced from nursery through to later years. This commitment extends to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, who receive tailored support to help them become proficient readers.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils acquire a solid understanding of mathematics, with staff expertise aiding early years children in grasping foundational concepts. By Year 4, pupils exhibit confidence in their knowledge of times tables. The school is actively reviewing its curriculum, particularly in modern foreign languages and music, to enhance educational offerings post-pandemic. While most subjects are well-structured, there are areas where the key knowledge and skills are not as clearly defined or sequenced, which can hinder effective teaching and retention of information.
St Paul’s has prioritized the library as a central resource, encouraging pupils of all ages to engage with reading for pleasure. The early years environment is designed to be stimulating and supportive of physical development, with outdoor activities promoting coordination and balance. Pupils with special educational needs are quickly identified and provided with necessary support, including access to a sensory room tailored to their individual learning requirements.
The school’s commitment to pupil well-being and safety is evident through its comprehensive personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum. Pupils learn about physical and mental health, respect, and tolerance for diverse beliefs. While the school organizes various enriching experiences, such as residential trips and theatre outings, there is recognition that opportunities for pupils to explore their talents and interests outside of sports could be expanded.
The governance structure, comprising the trust board and local governing body, works collaboratively to support the school, ensuring a balance of challenge and support for school leaders. Staff report feeling well-supported in their roles, contributing to a positive school culture where expectations for behaviour are clear and respected. Overall, St Paul’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for its pupils, while also recognizing areas for growth in its curriculum and extracurricular offerings.
