St Pius X Catholic Primary School, located in Chelmsford, Essex, has been recognized for its effective educational practices during its recent inspection on October 8 and 9, 2024. The school, led by headteacher Sharon Derbyshire, is part of the Rosary Trust and has maintained the high standards established in its previous inspection. The board of trustees, chaired by Simon Fenning, plays a significant role in the governance of the school.
Pupils at St Pius X take pride in their school and their accomplishments, demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They articulate their understanding of the curriculum and appreciate the various educational trips organized by the school, which enhance their learning experiences. Visits to local institutions, such as the university and the Globe Theatre, provide practical applications of classroom learning, making education more relevant and engaging.
The curriculum at St Pius X is broad and ambitious, fully covering the national curriculum while also incorporating relationships education. Early years education is particularly strong, laying a solid foundation for future learning. As students progress, they build on this foundation, leading to commendable academic achievements.
The school offers numerous extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and film-making, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents. This holistic approach to education prepares students for future challenges and fosters a well-rounded development. Behaviour within the school is exemplary, with a strong culture of respect and high expectations. Incidents of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, staff are quick to address and resolve issues.
The school’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its curriculum development, particularly in English and mathematics. The curriculum has been carefully revised to ensure that learning is incremental and builds upon prior knowledge. A strong emphasis is placed on early reading and mathematics, with phonics instruction starting in Reception. Staff are well-trained in these areas, and targeted support is provided to help pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, catch up when necessary.
Pupils demonstrate increasing fluency in reading and develop a rich vocabulary as they advance through the school. Their writing skills improve significantly, and they express themselves eloquently across various subjects. In mathematics, foundational skills are emphasized, enabling students to tackle more complex concepts as they progress. Both disadvantaged pupils and their peers achieve well in reading, writing, and mathematics.
While the curriculum in English, mathematics, and science is robust, there is room for improvement in other subjects. Staff may not always possess the necessary subject knowledge to maximize pupil learning in these areas. The school recognizes this and is committed to ensuring that all staff have the expertise required to teach effectively across the full range of subjects.
The school’s approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs is effective, with early identification and appropriate interventions in place. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide additional support when needed. The extensive range of trips and extracurricular activities enhances the formal curriculum, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
St Pius X promotes excellent behaviour and high attendance rates, with ongoing analysis to identify patterns and improve attendance year on year. The school remains vigilant in its efforts to enhance its practices and is open to feedback from the governing body, which plays a vital role in the school’s ongoing development. Overall, the school has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
