St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Academy, located in Birstall, Batley, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place on November 7 and 8, 2023. The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Clare Moulding, leads the school, which is part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Antonia Dorsey, with Richard Williams serving as the chief executive officer.
The school’s religious character is integral to its curriculum, promoting values that encourage pupils to be the best versions of themselves. This ethos fosters an inclusive environment where pupils are taught to treat each other with kindness and respect. The school has implemented initiatives such as the pupil ‘smile squad’ to support those in need of friendship, contributing to a positive social atmosphere. High expectations for academic achievement are set by the leadership, and pupils respond well, particularly excelling in English and mathematics across all key stages. The school enjoys strong support from parents and carers, who actively participate in school events and ensure high attendance rates, allowing pupils to benefit from rich learning experiences.
Pupils demonstrate good social skills, displaying politeness and respect towards visitors and peers. They engage positively in lessons and are recognized for their virtuous behaviour through awards such as the ‘Beatitudes’ certificates. The school emphasizes the importance of moral education, with initiatives like the ‘Mini-Vinnies’ encouraging pupils to think about how they can serve others and contribute to charitable causes.
In terms of academic performance, pupils are reading at or above expected levels for their age, with many exceeding these benchmarks. The school provides effective phonics instruction for younger pupils, and older students take on leadership roles as ‘reading ambassadors,’ promoting a love of reading among their peers. The curriculum offers a balanced selection of traditional and modern texts, enhancing pupils’ exposure to various authors and genres.
The early years provision is particularly strong, with children feeling safe and nurtured as they transition into the school environment. The school effectively assesses individual learning needs, ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities receive timely support. Staff are trained in Makaton to assist pupils with communication challenges, reducing frustration and enhancing interaction skills.
The physical education curriculum is a notable strength, with a sequential development of knowledge and skills. The school has achieved platinum status in the school sports partnership, reflecting its commitment to competitive participation and character-building through sportsmanship.
However, the school has identified areas for improvement, particularly in the design of the curriculum for some foundation subjects. The leadership is actively working to enhance these plans to ensure a clear progression of knowledge and skills. The trust is also exploring ways to support staff in reducing their workload while improving curriculum quality.
Overall, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Academy provides a nurturing and effective educational environment, fostering both academic and personal growth among its pupils. The school’s commitment to high standards, inclusivity, and moral development is evident in its practices and the positive experiences reported by pupils and parents alike.
