St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Windermere underwent an inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school, led by headteacher Lucy Bone and part of the Mater Christi Multi-Academy Trust, has made significant strides since its previous inspection, which rated it as Inadequate. The inspection highlighted that while the quality of education requires improvement, the behavior and attitudes of pupils, as well as their personal development, are rated as good.
Pupils at St Cuthbert’s are generally happy and engaged, enjoying outdoor activities facilitated by the school's location. They participate in water sports and woodland learning, which contribute positively to their school experience. The pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect for one another, showing empathy and responsibility through various initiatives, such as caring for school pets and assisting younger students during lunch. They take pride in their roles within the school community, including participation in the school council and various clubs.
Despite the positive aspects of pupil engagement and behavior, the school faces challenges in ensuring that all pupils are adequately prepared for the next stages of their education. The curriculum has been redesigned to be more ambitious, but there are still gaps in the essential knowledge that pupils need to acquire as they progress through mixed-age classes. This inconsistency affects their overall achievement across subjects.
The school is in the early stages of implementing a revised curriculum, and while teachers are adapting to new expectations, there is still work to be done in defining the essential knowledge for different year groups. This lack of clarity can hinder the systematic building of knowledge for pupils from Nursery to Year 6. The school has made improvements in teaching reading, with a focus on high-quality texts and phonics programs, but some pupils still experience gaps in their reading knowledge due to previous inconsistencies in delivery.
The school prioritizes personal development, with pupils demonstrating an understanding of healthy relationships and respect for diversity. The support from trustees and the local governing body has enhanced leadership capacity, but some systems for monitoring the quality of education and pupil behavior are still developing. Attendance strategies have been introduced, but their effectiveness has not been thoroughly analyzed, leading to some pupils not attending as regularly as they should.
Staff morale is high, and they feel supported in managing their workloads despite the increased demands of curriculum improvement. Parents and carers express trust in the school's leadership to address remaining weaknesses in education. The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School is on a positive trajectory of improvement, with strong pupil engagement and good behavior. However, it must continue to refine its curriculum and monitoring systems to ensure that all pupils achieve consistently well and are fully prepared for their future educational journeys. The commitment from staff, parents, and the governing body will be crucial in addressing these challenges and fostering an environment where every pupil can thrive.
