St Anthony's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils at St Anthony’s learn in a safe, highly inclusive and ambitious environment where every child is valued and supported to thrive. From the start in early years, pupils experience high-quality care. The school's strong ethos of promoting forgiveness and positive relationships radiates through the school. Pupils achieve very well in their learning, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics. They benefit from a broad and balanced wider curriculum where their knowledge and skills are developing well. The curriculum is enriched with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, including outdoor learning, music tuition and residential trips. These experiences are carefully considered to build confidence and independence, ensuring pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those of other disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds, can participate fully. Behaviour is a clear strength of the school. Pupils demonstrate very high levels of respect and manners, and are sensitive to the needs of others. They are safe and know that any issues, including bullying, are dealt with swiftly and fairly. Attendance is very high, reflecting pupils’ enjoyment of school and the positive atmosphere of the school. Pupils develop highly effective emotional literacy and resilience through a well-structured personal development programme. Pupils thoroughly appreciate the pastoral support they receive when they need it. Initiatives to support pupils who are young carers or a member of a service family are well embedded. The school has developed highly influential buddy pairings between older and younger pupils, as well as appointing 'peer mediators' to deal with any minor friendship issues. All this helps to develop pupils' empathy and understanding of their responsibilities as individuals. Pupils engage in charity work, cultural events and faith-based activities, building a strong sense of community and social awareness. Pupils leave for secondary school as academically successful, emotionally secure and socially responsible individuals.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff in the early years take every opportunity to develop pupils' learning in a timely manner, including in early writing. • Leaders should analyse more closely how well pupils' disciplinary knowledge and skills has been learned and remembered in every curriculum subject across the school.

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