Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2023

Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to achieve well, particularly those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupil outcomes in 2022 were below the national average. This is partially due to the high rates of pupil mobility in some year groups. However, the current position is much more positive. Leaders swiftly provided stability following a short period of upheaval. Pupils behave well and enjoy coming to school. Pupils get on well with each other, and there is a calm atmosphere. They are respectful of difference and proud of their school. Pupils are caring and look after each other. Trained 'mini first-aiders' help pupils with their mental health. Pupils say that bullying is rare, but staff deal with it well should it occur. Because pupils enjoy school and behave well, they attend regularly. Pupils learn to be responsible citizens. The school council takes its work seriously. Its members know that their role is, as one pupil stated, 'to be the pupil voice of the school'. 'Mini Vinnies' collect litter and contribute to the wider community. For example, 'Shining Stars' placed decorated stones around the town with messages of support for the local community. Pupils are also aware of their responsibilities beyond their local community. They recently raised money to buy farming tools for people in developing countries.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, some staff are not checking what pupils remember of what they have learned in the past. As a consequence, there are gaps in what some pupils know and remember. Leaders should ensure that there are systems in place so that teachers check precisely what pupils remember and use this information to plan lessons to resolve those gaps.
• In a few subjects, subject leaders have not checked on the implementation of their curriculum. This means that there are some inconsistencies in what teachers are delivering. Senior leaders should ensure that they put in place a system of checks so they can identify how they can improve the curriculum even further.

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