St Benedict's Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 January 2023

Pupils thrive at St Benedict's Primary School. They are safe and happy, knowing that there is always an adult they can talk to. Staff resolve any disputes promptly. Pupils are respectful of each other and of adults. The school environment is calm and purposeful. Leaders are ambitious for what pupils should learn. Teachers put these intentions into practice. They are skilled at adapting the work for pupils, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English is an additional language (EAL). All pupils study a broad range of subjects and learn well. Children get off to a very good start. Staff in early years have high expectations for children's learning and behaviour. Across the school, pupils behave consistently well in the classroom, and play happily at social times. Disruption to learning is very rare. Pupils grow in confidence and resilience. They are motivated to learn. Pupils have a good range of opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities, for example as school counsellors or peer mediators. Trips to places like the zoo help pupils to put their learning in context. Leaders ensure that all pupils have the chance to join a club after school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders have not recognised that gaps in specialist knowledge prevent teachers from implementing the full curriculum at key stage 2 in a small number of subjects. As a result, older pupils are not learning as much in these subjects as they should. Leaders should ensure that all teachers are fully knowledgeable and confident, so that they are able to implement fully the curriculum which leaders have planned.
• The school's extra-curricular programme is currently limited in scope, and largely confined to sport. Pupils do not have additional opportunities to develop some of their talents and interests, for example in the arts. Leaders should consider how the school's range of clubs enable pupils to take part in a rich variety of different activities.
• Leaders' work with parents in supporting their children's learning slipped back during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some parents do not know as much as they might do about how to help their children learn. Leaders should ensure that parents understand how best to support their children, particularly in early reading.

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