St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on July 3 and 4, 2023. The school was rated as good overall, with outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes, as well as leadership and management. The quality of education and personal development were also rated as good, while early years provision was similarly assessed as good. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to an academy in May 2019.
Pupils at St Mary’s express high levels of enjoyment and safety in their school environment. They take pride in being part of the school community and appreciate the diverse opportunities available to them. The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by care and friendliness, fostering a supportive atmosphere. The school leadership has set high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This vision is reflected in a well-planned curriculum that begins in the early years and effectively prepares pupils for their future educational journeys.
Behaviour within the school is exemplary, with any issues being addressed promptly by staff. Pupils respond positively to the high expectations set by school leaders, and incidents of bullying are reported to be minimal, with pupils feeling confident that such issues are not a concern. The school also emphasizes broadening pupils’ experiences through various activities, such as water safety lessons and residential trips, which are met with enthusiasm by the students.
The leadership at St Mary’s is recognized as outstanding, with strong support from parents who appreciate the dedication of the staff. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils build knowledge progressively. In mathematics, daily retrieval practices and assessments help reinforce learning, while in subjects like history and art, pupils engage deeply with the material, often making connections to their local area.
Reading is a priority at St Mary’s, with a structured phonics program in place. However, there are some challenges noted in matching reading materials to the phonetic knowledge of early readers, which can hinder their fluency and confidence. The school is committed to addressing this issue to enhance reading outcomes.
St Mary’s is an inclusive environment where pupils with special educational needs are fully integrated into school life. Teachers adapt their approaches to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring that everyone has access to the curriculum. Pupils demonstrate focus and determination in their learning, adhering to the school’s behaviour expectations.
Beyond academics, the school provides opportunities for pupils to learn about online safety, community engagement, and career aspirations. Extra-curricular activities and leadership roles are abundant, contributing to a well-rounded education. However, there is a noted need for improvement in pupils’ understanding of different world faiths, as their knowledge in this area is not as robust as in other subjects.
The school leadership is attentive to staff workload and well-being, providing support for early-career teachers and planning for leadership development. The governing body plays an active role in challenging and supporting the school’s leadership to ensure high standards of achievement for all pupils.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential issues. Pupils feel safe and are aware of the efforts made by adults to protect them. Overall, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils, with clear areas identified for further development.
