St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Anna Gautrey. The inspection took place on January 23 and 24, 2024, and marked the first routine inspection since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school fosters a welcoming environment where respect is paramount. Pupils are taught to value diversity, understanding that everyone deserves respect regardless of their beliefs or background. The behavior system is rooted in the school’s Catholic ethos, with five virtues chosen by the school community to guide students' conduct. These virtues are actively applied in daily interactions, promoting a culture of respect and attentiveness.
The curriculum has been refined since the school’s academisation, with leaders continuously working to enhance pupils’ attainment. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to develop various skills, including board games that encourage strategic thinking. Additionally, the school provides robust pastoral support through its nurture and home-school support services, ensuring that pupils receive both emotional and practical assistance.
Early years provision is strong, allowing children from two years old to engage in stimulating activities that promote play and exploration. Staff support children in making choices and playing cooperatively, fostering a positive learning environment. The school also has a dedicated provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, offering tailored support to meet individual needs.
While the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, there are areas for improvement. The curriculum is designed to start each unit of work with a question, and in some subjects, learning is effectively broken down into manageable steps. However, in other areas, further refinement is needed to ensure that the curriculum builds on prior learning effectively.
The school emphasizes the development of language and communication skills, particularly for pupils with speech and language needs. Adults encourage pupils to expand their responses during discussions, and knowledge mats are provided to support vocabulary development. However, there is inconsistency in matching vocabulary on these mats to the subject-specific terms identified in the curriculum, which can hinder pupils' ability to recall essential vocabulary.
Lessons begin with opportunities to recap previous learning, and checks are conducted to assess pupils' knowledge and retention across subjects. This practice helps the school track pupil progress effectively. In mathematics, the curriculum is well-structured, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding and apply their knowledge to problem-solving.
The school has recognized the need to enhance reading fluency among pupils, particularly due to a lack of reading practice at home. Workshops for parents have been implemented to model effective reading support strategies. Phonics sessions are consistently structured, and reading materials align with the sounds pupils are learning. Regular assessments ensure that pupils receive necessary catch-up support.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, providing tailored assistance through its nurture provision and sensory room. The early years curriculum is carefully designed to support children from their entry at two years old through to the end of Reception, with a strong focus on language development.
The school’s social, moral, spiritual, and cultural curriculum is grounded in its Catholic ethos, promoting character traits such as resilience and independence. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the school community. While pupils demonstrate knowledge of physical health, there is a need for greater emphasis on mental health awareness.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with careful consideration given to the impact of new initiatives on workload. The trust recognizes the school’s strengths and areas for development, acknowledging the progress made in raising expectations and establishing consistent practices. Overall, St Columba’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
