St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 27 and 28, 2024. Under the leadership of headteacher Joanne Wilson, the school is part of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, which oversees its operations through a board of directors chaired by Yvonne Coates. The school’s mission statement, “Let the light of Christ shine in us all,” reflects its commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of its pupils. Students feel valued and supported, which fosters a positive learning environment.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, and the school promotes a lively atmosphere during playtimes. Lessons are characterized by calmness and purpose, with students demonstrating positive attitudes toward their learning. The school effectively manages any behavioral issues with sensitivity, taking into account the individual needs of students. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and express confidence that it is not a problem at their school, believing that any incidents would be addressed promptly.
The school sets high expectations for its students, encouraging them to work hard and achieve their best. However, despite these aspirations, the outcomes for pupils at the end of key stage two in 2023 did not meet the school’s expectations. In response, school leaders acted quickly to implement curriculum changes to address these shortcomings.
Since joining the trust in 2021, St Cuthbert’s has made significant strides in curriculum planning and review. The school has adopted new, ambitious schemes of work that outline clear learning objectives for pupils. Early reading is a priority, with a phonics program that effectively builds students’ knowledge of sounds. Regular assessments ensure that any pupils falling behind receive the necessary support to catch up, fostering a growing enthusiasm for reading.
While the phonics program is effective in many areas, there are concerns regarding the teaching of writing sounds, which has not been consistently reinforced. This has led to some inaccuracies in letter formation and handwriting habits among pupils. The school is aware of this issue and is working to improve this aspect of the phonics program.
In addition to literacy, the school offers a diverse range of reading materials that enhance pupils’ understanding of different cultures. The partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company is a notable highlight, providing students with opportunities to engage in live performances. Pupils express enjoyment in subjects like mathematics and history, benefiting from consistent teaching methods and the revisiting of previously taught concepts. However, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge in challenging tasks, particularly in mathematics, where problem-solving skills require further development.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into school life. The SEND coordinator is well-informed about the needs of these pupils and provides staff with the necessary training to support them effectively. Early identification of needs allows for timely intervention, enabling some pupils to catch up with their peers quickly.
St Cuthbert’s offers a well-rounded curriculum for personal development, teaching pupils about safety and self-awareness. The school provides a variety of after-school clubs, enriching the educational experience. Attendance is closely monitored, with dedicated support for families to promote full attendance.
Staff at the school report high levels of job satisfaction, feeling respected and valued. The school provides comprehensive training and support to help staff improve their practice while being mindful of their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
Overall, St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a good education, with areas identified for improvement to enhance the learning experience for all students.
