St John's Catholic Primary School in Banbury, Oxfordshire, has recently undergone its first inspection since joining the Pope Francis Catholic Multi-academy Company in September 2020. The inspection, conducted on 10 and 11 May 2023, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school serves children aged three to eleven and has a current enrollment of 175 pupils.
Pupils at St John's take pride in their school and its values, particularly the emphasis on loving one another. They demonstrate respect and thoughtfulness throughout the school environment, with bullying being rare and effectively managed by staff. The pupils exhibit good behaviour, actively engaging in lessons and social interactions, and they show resilience when faced with challenges. The school fosters a positive atmosphere where pupils are eager to participate in a variety of learning and extracurricular activities, from sports to arts and crafts. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school, often describing it as a lovely place for their children.
The curriculum at St John's is broad and ambitious, supporting pupils from Nursery through Year 6. Leaders have carefully planned the learning across most subjects, ensuring that essential knowledge and vocabulary are taught progressively. Mathematics instruction is particularly effective, allowing pupils to build on their prior knowledge. However, in a few subjects, the introduction of new topics does not always take into account what pupils already know, which can hinder their learning. Teachers are enthusiastic about the curriculum and have received training to enhance their teaching skills. While lessons are generally purposeful, there are instances where the commercial schemes used do not fully meet the needs of all pupils.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with children beginning their reading journey in Nursery. Staff employ effective phonics instruction, providing additional support for struggling readers to help them keep pace with their peers. Pupils engage with a variety of texts, fostering a love for reading that is nurtured throughout their time at the school.
The school promotes personal development alongside academic achievement. Opportunities for social skill development are integrated into the curriculum, with activities designed to teach pupils about collaboration and respect for differing viewpoints. Older pupils take on leadership roles, such as playground monitors, serving as role models for younger students.
Safeguarding measures at St John's are robust, with effective training for staff and clear communication channels for pupils to report concerns. The school has established a culture of vigilance regarding safeguarding issues, ensuring that staff are well-informed and responsive to potential risks.
Despite the positive aspects of the school, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to enhance teachers' understanding of how to adapt the curriculum to better meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Additionally, there is a need to refine curriculum planning in some foundation subjects to ensure that important knowledge is revisited and embedded across topics.
Overall, St John's Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils. The leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, and with the right strategies in place, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for development.
