St Urban’s Catholic Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlights its overall effectiveness as good. The school, which operates as a voluntary academy, has demonstrated a strong commitment to its Catholic ethos and values, fostering a warm and welcoming community for pupils, parents, and staff alike. The inspection, conducted on 29 and 30 November 2022, revealed that the school excels in various areas, particularly in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, both of which were rated as outstanding.
Pupils at St Urban’s are proud to be part of the school community, where they are taught the importance of character virtues that aid in decision-making and building positive relationships. The school environment is calm and positive, allowing pupils to develop exceptional attitudes and behaviors. Staff members are dedicated to supporting pupils in managing their emotions, ensuring that they feel cared for and safe. The strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a harmonious atmosphere where pupils work well together and show consideration for one another.
The school has made significant improvements to its curriculum, particularly in mathematics, where a comprehensive program is in place from Reception to Year 6. Teachers effectively model mathematical methods, and pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of the subject. In other subjects, such as music and physical education, leaders have carefully planned learning opportunities that build over time, allowing pupils to revisit and reinforce their knowledge. The assessment approaches have also been enhanced, enabling teachers to prioritize what pupils remember and understand.
Leaders at St Urban’s are ambitious for all pupils and have developed a broad curriculum. While most teachers adapt their lessons to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, there are instances where this is not consistently applied. Leaders recognize the need for further improvement in this area to ensure that all pupils, particularly those with SEND, receive the appropriate support to grasp new concepts.
Reading is a key focus for the school, with leaders implementing a new program to enhance pupils' phonics knowledge. Early reading instruction begins promptly in Reception, and pupils in key stage 1 are making strong progress. However, some staff members require additional training to deliver the phonics program effectively, which has resulted in some pupils not achieving fluency as quickly as expected.
The behavior and attitudes of pupils are exceptional, with a culture of kindness and thoughtfulness established throughout the school. Pupils are industrious and eager to learn, actively engaging in lessons and responding positively to feedback. The school emphasizes the development of character through its virtues program, linking curriculum learning to broader themes of fairness and respect for diversity.
Staff members feel supported by school leaders and are committed to their professional development. The governing body is ambitious for the school’s continued growth and has established systems to enhance training opportunities for staff. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders working closely with families and external agencies to ensure pupils' safety and welfare.
Overall, St Urban’s Catholic Primary School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to its values, high expectations for behavior, and focus on character development contribute to a positive educational experience for all its pupils. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of support for pupils with SEND and the delivery of the phonics program, the school is well-positioned to continue its journey of excellence.
