St George’s Catholic Primary School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has recently undergone an inspection, with the evaluation taking place on 12 and 13 March 2024. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding marks in behaviour and attitudes, as well as leadership and management. The quality of education and personal development were also rated as good, while early years provision received a good rating as well. This school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, is led by executive headteacher Anne Bullerwell and has a strong governance structure in place.
The school has fostered a positive environment where pupils thrive, feeling happy and safe. The culture is built on kindness, and there has been significant progress in the school over the past 18 months. Leaders, staff, and pupils are proud of their achievements and the changes that have taken place. High expectations for behaviour and attitudes are evident, with exemplary conduct observed in classrooms and throughout the school. Pupils demonstrate resilience, tolerance, and respect for one another, contributing to a focused learning environment with minimal disruption.
Classrooms are described as calm and conducive to learning, with various methods employed to reward positive behaviour and work. Pupils actively participate in school activities, including leadership roles and extracurricular trips, which enhance their learning experiences. The school has implemented a robust phonics scheme, ensuring that reading is prioritized. Staff are well-trained to deliver this program effectively, and there are resources available to support parents in helping their children at home. Pupils who struggle with phonics are quickly identified and receive the necessary support to catch up.
The curriculum has been improved across a range of subjects, with clear expectations set for what pupils will learn from early years through to Year 6. The school emphasizes the importance of vocabulary and provides opportunities for wider learning experiences, such as working with local historians in history lessons. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum is still developing, and leaders recognize the need for further enhancement in these areas.
The school is committed to inclusivity, with effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff adapt their teaching to meet individual needs, ensuring that all pupils have a rich learning experience. The curriculum also promotes confidence, resilience, and independence, with numerous educational visits planned each year to broaden pupils' understanding of the world.
Attendance is improving and is becoming more aligned with national averages, thanks to the school’s efforts to engage families in the importance of regular attendance. The local governing body and trust provide strong support, challenging leaders effectively and promoting staff development. Staff report feeling supported in managing their workload, and the school actively involves parents in their children's learning through initiatives like reading cafés and open mornings.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. Overall, while the school has made significant strides in many areas, there are still opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects have clearly defined knowledge and vocabulary for pupils to learn. This will help to deepen their understanding over time and support teachers in delivering the curriculum consistently.
