St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Benwell, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 3 and 4, 2024. The school is led by executive headteacher Paul Brown and head of school Sharon Rogan, and it operates under the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust. The school community is characterized by a warm and caring atmosphere where staff are well-acquainted with pupils and their families. This strong sense of community is evident as pupils greet visitors with pride and enthusiasm. The core values of love, trust, and respect are deeply ingrained in the school culture, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Pupils at St Joseph’s feel secure and supported, which contributes to their positive behavior and eagerness to learn. Many students enter the early years curriculum with limited English proficiency, but by the time they leave, they are articulate and have made significant academic progress. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including trips to local art galleries, historical sites, and residential visits, which enrich the educational experience and prepare pupils for life beyond school.
The school excels in its commitment to literacy, with a strong emphasis on reading. Early years pupils engage with familiar stories and songs to enhance their language skills, while older students benefit from effective phonics instruction. The school’s phonics teaching is recognized as highly successful, and there is ongoing effort to encourage pupils to explore a broader range of reading materials for enjoyment. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, and external assessment results have been consistently positive.
Mathematics is a particular strength at St Joseph’s, with pupils demonstrating strong knowledge and skills in this area. The curriculum across all subjects is ambitious and relevant, although there are some inconsistencies in how the learning objectives are outlined in certain foundation subjects. This lack of clarity can affect the effectiveness of teaching in those areas and impact pupils’ understanding over time. While opportunities for discussion and inquiry are frequent, the checking of pupils’ knowledge and understanding varies, leading to missed chances to address misconceptions.
The school has made significant strides in supporting pupils with additional needs, with well-trained staff and effective support systems in place. The early years curriculum is recognized as crucial for laying the foundation for future learning, although there are areas for improvement in outdoor learning activities that could enhance vocabulary development.
St Joseph’s promotes a culture of respect and appreciation for diversity, ensuring that intolerance and bullying are not tolerated. The school has a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum that addresses relevant issues for pupils and their families. The leadership team is effective in managing resources and supporting staff well-being, fostering a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for. However, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in clarifying the curriculum for foundation subjects and enhancing outdoor learning opportunities. Overall, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, maintaining its status as a good school.
