St Aloysius' Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 March 2026

Pupils are very proud to be part of this inclusive school, where everyone is encouraged to serve others. The school has a calm and kind atmosphere. Staff know pupils well and foster a culture of mutual respect and care. Parents and carers praise the efforts staff make to help their children achieve, belong and thrive. Staff form trusting relationships with pupils, and these are at the heart of the school. Incidents of bullying or discrimination are uncommon. Pupils are confident that staff will help them deal quickly with any concerns they may have. They feel safe and well cared for. Pupils have a secure sense of belonging. Most pupils attend school regularly, including the many who speak English as an additional language. Pupils enjoy learning. Overall, pupils achieve well in the school, including the small number of disadvantaged pupils and the many who speak English as an additional language. Some pupils achieve more highly in reading and mathematics than in writing. Some pupils have gaps in their letter formation and spelling, but these are closing due to leaders' actions. Even though several pupils join and leave the school throughout the year, they still leave well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) typically achieve well from their starting points. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEND, work hard to meet the high expectations of staff. Pupils benefit from staff knowing the barriers they face and making adjustments to the curriculum when needed. Pupils have positive attitudes towards school. Pupils benefit from a wide range of trips and visitors that are matched carefully to their learning. For example, pupils deepen their historical knowledge when they visit the Ashmolean Museum. Pupils develop their sense of responsibility and broaden their horizons through the leadership roles, such as eco-councillors, and through clubs, including ceramics.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should further develop staff expertise in identifying and addressing gaps in pupils’ knowledge so that pupils can make stronger connections and deepen their understanding.
• Leaders should continue to develop and embed the school's approach to improving pupils' letter formation and spelling so that the quality and fluency of their transcriptional skills continue to improve.

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