Holy Rosary and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 and 20 October 2023. The headteacher, Elizabeth McDonagh, leads the school, which is part of the St Gregory the Great Catholic Academy Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Peter Hughes and a board of trustees chaired by Shaun Vickers. The school is located in Chapeltown, Leeds, and serves a diverse community, celebrating a rich mix of cultures that contribute to its unique environment.
Pupils at Holy Rosary and St Anne’s are happy and engaged, demonstrating good attendance and a strong sense of pride in their school. They understand the high expectations set by the school and the academy trust, which include support for students with special educational needs and disabilities. The school fosters a respectful atmosphere where pupils are polite and courteous, adhering to the established rules and engaging positively during social times and lessons. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a reading café and musical theatre, which are well attended by students. The school’s choir, recognized for its high standard of choral singing, plays a significant role in the local community, and pupils actively participate in various sports and leadership roles.
The curriculum at Holy Rosary and St Anne’s is ambitious and well-structured, outlining clear learning objectives from Nursery to Year 6. The school has tailored its curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs of its pupils, incorporating elements from the various cultural backgrounds represented in the school. Teachers are well-prepared, regularly revisiting previous learning to reinforce knowledge and address any gaps. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with early reading instruction being a priority. Staff are trained in effective reading strategies, ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support to develop their reading skills.
Despite the school’s strengths, there are areas for improvement. In some subjects, the learning activities do not fully align with the curriculum’s high expectations, which can hinder some pupils from reaching their full academic potential. Additionally, there are instances where pupils struggle to maintain focus during lessons, which can disrupt the learning environment. The school is encouraged to develop strategies to enhance pupils' engagement and ensure that all learning activities are appropriately challenging.
The school’s approach to personal development is comprehensive, promoting values such as courtesy, respect, and kindness. Staff emphasize the importance of resilience and perseverance, helping pupils to navigate challenges effectively. Health and safety education is integrated into the curriculum, fostering an understanding of physical and emotional well-being. The school also values diversity, promoting an appreciation for different cultures and family structures.
Staff at Holy Rosary and St Anne’s feel supported and valued, contributing to a positive working environment. The school collaborates effectively with parents to enhance pupils’ learning experiences. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that policies and procedures are implemented effectively, with a focus on staff workload and well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, Holy Rosary and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for improvement, ensuring that all pupils can achieve their best.
