St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, Preston

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils benefit from a school culture that helps them to know that they belong. The school is a place of warmth and welcome for pupils and the local community. All pupils flourish because leaders deliberately focus on their wellbeing, and especially so for the most vulnerable pupils. Often, leaders provide support for families that is pivotal in keeping pupils safe and in school. Pupils know that adults have their best interests at heart. Many parents and carers describe the school as 'a big family'. Pupils thrive because of this. From the early years onwards, pupils rise to the high expectations that adults have of them. Children in the early years quickly settle to new routines. They develop good habits for future positive behaviour and success. The school's vision inspires pupils to 'let their light shine'. Pupils support each other, celebrate their differences and have deeply respectful relationships. Bullying is rare. If it happens, leaders take swift and decisive action to make sure that it stops. Typically, pupils attend regularly. A minority of pupils struggle with their attendance. Where this happens, leaders identify and help to reduce the barriers that pupils have. Often, the actions that leaders take make a significant difference in helping pupils to attend regularly. Pupils achieve well due to the carefully structured curriculum. They learn important knowledge that will help them with what will come next. Pupils benefit from opportunities that enhance the curriculum. For example, they visit a university to learn about International Women's Day and their local town to learn about an important civil war battle. These opportunities bring the curriculum to life for pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that, in all subjects, pupils have sufficient opportunity to practise new learning, so that they can confidently use the new knowledge that they acquire.
• Leaders should ensure that staff in the early years plan learning which supports children to deepen their knowledge in all areas of the curriculum.

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