St Pancras Catholic Primary School, located in Ipswich, Suffolk, has recently undergone its first inspection since joining the Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Trust in April 2019. The inspection, conducted on 12 and 13 September 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 head of school, Mrs L Martin, along with the executive headteacher, Mrs C Clark, leads the school, which is overseen by the chief executive officer, Mr F Vettese, and a board of trustees chaired by Mr P Bergin.
Pupils at St Pancras enjoy their time at school, feeling happy and safe. They respond positively to the high expectations set by their teachers and engage confidently in discussions about their learning. The school promotes a culture of kindness, safety, respect, and effort, which pupils adhere to diligently. Behaviour is commendable, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of bullying and appreciating the swift action taken by staff when incidents occur. The school offers a variety of enriching experiences, including trips and events that enhance learning, such as participation in the Diocese's singing programme and visits to local attractions.
The curriculum at St Pancras is ambitious and well-structured, clearly outlining the key knowledge to be taught at each year level and how it builds on prior learning. Staff have received training to effectively deliver this curriculum, and adaptations are made to ensure all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access the content. Regular assessments help identify any misconceptions, although some checks may not be precise enough, leading to gaps in knowledge for certain pupils. In subjects where the curriculum has been established longer, pupils can articulate their learning and its connections to previous knowledge. However, in more recently updated subjects, teachers are still acclimating to the new content, which affects pupils' understanding.
The school places a strong emphasis on phonics, with all staff trained to deliver the chosen phonics programme effectively. This begins in the early years, where teachers monitor pupils' progress closely, providing timely support to those who struggle with reading. Daily reading sessions are integral to the curriculum, fostering confidence and fluency in older pupils.
Early years provision is well-planned, allowing children to explore and learn through carefully crafted opportunities. Teachers model language effectively and support the development of mathematical concepts, ensuring children are well-prepared for Year 1. The school promotes a positive attitude towards learning through assemblies and reward systems, creating a calm and purposeful environment for all pupils.
St Pancras also focuses on the wider development of pupils, teaching them about different cultures and beliefs while instilling values of tolerance and respect. Pupils learn about health and fundamental British values, such as democracy, through their involvement in the school council.
Staff express pride in their work and feel valued, with leaders considering their workload. The governing body, including the trust, is knowledgeable about the school and holds leaders accountable. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to provide further training for staff in subjects with recently updated curricula to ensure effective teaching and retention of key knowledge. Additionally, the use of assessment outcomes should be refined to address gaps in learning more precisely. Overall, St Pancras Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
