St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Ryhope, Sunderland, has recently undergone an inspection, with the evaluation conducted on 12 and 13 March 2024. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The head of school is Joanne Jobling, and the school operates under the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, which provides additional oversight and support.
The school community is characterized by a strong sense of values such as compassion and tolerance. Pupils take pride in being part of the St Patrick’s community, demonstrating respect for one another and a keen understanding of equality. The school’s motto, “small but mighty,” resonates with students, who express that their friendships and harmony contribute to their strength. The learning environment is purposeful, with positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning evident throughout the school. Adults effectively manage any behavioural issues, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
The curriculum at St Patrick’s is tailored to the local context, with high expectations set by school leaders. This is reflected in the teaching practices observed in classrooms, where pupils are engaged and understand their learning objectives. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with effective phonics instruction leading to confident and fluent readers. Pupils enjoy a variety of educational experiences, including visits to local bookshops and opportunities to explore their heritage.
While the school has made significant strides, there are areas for improvement. The outcomes from the key stage two statutory tests in 2023 do not accurately reflect the current quality of education. Although leaders maintain high expectations, assessment practices in some subjects need refinement to better identify gaps in pupils’ learning. This will enable teachers to plan more effectively and ensure that all pupils progress in line with the school’s educational intentions.
Pupils exhibit a strong desire to attend school, with high attendance rates and low levels of persistent absence. The school has robust procedures in place to monitor and improve attendance, which have proven effective. The positive behaviour of pupils extends to their interactions with one another, fostering a caring environment where younger children are supported by older peers.
The school’s commitment to personal development is evident through a range of extracurricular activities and community engagement initiatives. Pupils participate in performances and visits to local organizations, enhancing their understanding of different faiths and cultures. The school maintains strong links with the local church, further enriching the spiritual development of its students.
Leadership at St Patrick’s is characterized by a clear vision and a commitment to putting pupils at the heart of decision-making. Staff members receive support regarding their workload and well-being, fostering a positive working environment. Parental involvement is encouraged, with many parents expressing satisfaction with the school’s role in the community.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Patrick’s are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare prioritized. The school is dedicated to continuous improvement, with a focus on refining assessment practices to better support pupil learning. Overall, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
