St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The inspection took place on the 30th of April and the 1st of May in 2024. The school, which opened in September 2021, is part of the Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust and has not been previously inspected under section five of the Education Act 2005. The headteacher, Karen Wyatt, along with the chief executive officer of the trust, Paul Stubbings, and the board of trustees, led by Andrew Ndoca, play significant roles in the school's management.
The school is characterized by exceptionally high expectations for its pupils, fostering an environment where they can develop knowledge, confidence, and character through a robust academic curriculum complemented by rich extracurricular experiences. Feedback from pupils, staff, parents, and carers is overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong community spirit and commitment to excellence. Leaders at all levels demonstrate knowledge and dedication, effectively implementing plans for continuous improvement. This commitment ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, excel in their learning, as evidenced by high-quality work across all subjects and strong outcomes in national assessments.
Pupils at St Joseph’s learn the importance of community, displaying kindness, respect, and generosity towards others. From the early years, children are encouraged to include their peers in play and collaborate effectively. The school offers a variety of after-school clubs, including cricket, chess, drama, and coding, which are well-attended. Pupils also engage in music through the school’s orchestra and choirs, performing at prestigious venues and learning to play various instruments.
The school excels in developing confident communicators from the early years, with adults modeling language effectively across the curriculum. This approach ensures that pupils acquire new vocabulary and use it accurately in discussions and written work, preparing them well for future educational stages. Reading is a central focus, with a rich variety of texts introduced to pupils, fostering a love for reading and ensuring strong phonics expertise among staff. The school provides targeted support for pupils who need extra help, enabling them to become confident and fluent readers.
St Joseph’s offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with a well-organized sequence of knowledge that helps pupils grasp increasingly complex ideas. The curriculum is designed to build secure foundations for future learning, as demonstrated by pupils' ability to apply mathematical concepts confidently. Leaders prioritize staff training, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to support pupils' learning effectively. The school environment is highly productive, with exemplary behavior from pupils who are motivated to learn and follow established routines.
Attendance is a priority, with the school addressing barriers to regular attendance promptly. The personal development program is thoughtfully planned, rooted in the school’s values, and teaches pupils about dignity, respect, and the importance of tolerance and democracy. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, contributing positively to the school community.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Joseph’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, the inspection highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in education, personal development, and community engagement, making it a remarkable institution for primary education.
