St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was inspected on 24 and 25 September 2024. The school is led by headteacher Claire Bulloch and is part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The overall findings indicate that the school is performing well in most areas, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all rated as good. However, early years provision was noted as requiring improvement.
Pupils at St Joseph’s feel safe and well cared for, with families expressing appreciation for the supportive and positive environment created by the staff. The school promotes a culture of respect and encourages pupils to strive for their best. Clear rules and routines contribute to a calm atmosphere conducive to learning. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, which has led to an increasing number of students meeting academic standards.
Pupils take pride in their leadership roles, such as being wellbeing champions and school councillors, and they understand the importance of caring for one another. The school has successfully fostered a positive reading culture, with pupils enjoying reading and recognizing its significance. A structured approach to early reading supports younger pupils, ensuring they are well-matched with the texts they read. However, there are instances where staff do not promptly address gaps in knowledge, which can hinder some pupils' progress.
The curriculum is well-organized in most foundation subjects, allowing pupils to develop new skills effectively. However, in a few areas, the curriculum is still being developed, and essential knowledge has not been clearly identified. This can make it challenging for teachers to build on prior knowledge effectively. In early years, while children form positive relationships and begin to establish friendships, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the knowledge that should be taught, which can lead to some children being introduced to new concepts before they are ready.
The school emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, teaching pupils about safety and cultural differences. Regular visits to places of worship help pupils develop respect for various religions. A wide range of extracurricular activities is available, and pupils express enthusiasm for participating in clubs such as art, singing, and sports. Attendance is strong, supported by effective communication between staff and families.
The school’s leadership, including the academy council and trust, demonstrates a clear understanding of their roles in ensuring pupil safety. Staff feel well-supported and take pride in their work at St Joseph’s. Parents and carers appreciate the effective communication from the school. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to focus on consistently identifying and addressing gaps in pupils' knowledge to ensure they are ready for new learning. Additionally, the curriculum in some subjects requires clearer sequencing and identification of essential concepts to enhance teaching effectiveness. In early years, there is a need for greater clarity regarding foundational knowledge to support staff in their teaching and assessment practices. Overall, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy is a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and academic success of its pupils while recognizing areas for growth and development.
