English Martyrs' Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 January 2024

Pupils understand the school's values and aspire to live up to them. Older pupils are positive about their prospects after leaving English Martyrs'. Those new to the school settle quickly. Expectations are high. Pupils work hard and want to be their best. They talk about the importance of respect for others and are confident that faith, hope and love are solid foundations for future happiness and success. Pupils say that teachers are patient and kind. They are happy to discuss their conflicting opinions about their favourite staff, and about the 'who' and the 'why', in a reasoned way. A group of pupils agreed unanimously that staff are fair, though sometimes there are 'consequences for your actions'. A clear message from pupils throughout the inspection was that they feel safe and cared for here. The school's Catholic ethos underpins all aspects of day-to-day life. Kindness is expected. Pupils understand this. 'Tattle talk' is frowned upon, though responded to positively if necessary. A positive attitude of 'we can fix that sort of thing together' is apparent when talking to pupils. This sentiment was also apparent in classrooms, where pupils are happy to work together towards achieving their best.

What the school should improve

• Not all staff deliver the school's early reading programme as confidently as they might. When this is the case, the quality of phonics teaching is inconsistent. This means that some pupils do not benefit from the high-quality teaching they deserve. Leaders need to ensure that the school's phonics programme is delivered with the highest degree of fidelity possible in all phases and by all staff who teach pupils to read.
• Not all foundation subject schemes of work are detailed enough in identifying the component knowledge staff need to teach pupils. This means that, in some subjects, pupils are not building strongly enough on what they have been taught before. Some successful work has already been completed, but leaders now need to redouble their efforts to complete their curriculum review. This will support teachers in their work to plan and teach what leaders want pupils to know, remember and do in all subjects across the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)