Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, located in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, underwent an inspection on January 31 and February 1, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. However, personal development and early years provision were rated as good. The school is part of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Tony Bishop and chaired by Christopher Donnellan. The headteacher, Elise Gribble, has been in position since April 2022, following a period of significant staffing and leadership changes.
The inspection highlighted that the school has prioritized the development of its curriculum and behaviour systems, but these initiatives are still in the early stages. Attendance remains a concern, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, which affects their ability to benefit from the curriculum. While pupils feel supported by adults and appreciate the fairness of the new behaviour systems, there is a need for further embedding of shared values and policies to ensure consistent implementation across the school.
Pupils generally display good manners and enjoy their time at school, participating in various extracurricular activities and events. The school promotes a sense of responsibility among pupils through roles such as eco-warriors and well-being champions. The early years provision is particularly strong, with initiatives like the ‘book and biscuit’ sessions helping parents engage in their children’s learning.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in ensuring that all pupils, especially the most disadvantaged, achieve their full potential. The curriculum has been revised to provide a clear structure, but inconsistencies in its implementation hinder progress. Staff training has been provided for teaching early reading, and while most pupils are gaining confidence in their reading skills, attendance issues prevent some from fully benefiting from the program.
Behaviour expectations have been communicated effectively, and many pupils respond positively to the new systems. However, further developments are needed to ensure that all pupils develop positive attitudes towards learning and attendance. The school recognizes the importance of fostering pupils’ personal development, teaching them about health, safety, and respect for diverse communities.
The leadership team is aware of the areas needing improvement and is committed to raising expectations for pupil achievement. The school must ensure that its ambitious plans are fully realized, providing a high-quality education for all pupils. The recent changes in leadership and staffing have created a more stable environment, but the school must continue to embed its values and systems to achieve lasting improvements.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school has made strides in addressing gaps in early development, particularly in mathematics, and is focused on providing a nurturing environment for all pupils. The inspection team noted that while there are early signs of improvement, ongoing efforts are required to ensure that all pupils, particularly those facing disadvantages, are well-prepared for their next stages in education. The school community is encouraged to engage with Ofsted Parent View to share their opinions and contribute to the ongoing development of the school.
