St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

St Bernadette’s friendly, welcoming and inclusive culture is evident from the moment you arrive. The school’s ethos and its behaviour expectations provide a firm framework for pupils’ academic and personal development. Pupils' happy, excited chatter fills the corridors at the start of the school day, as they hang up their coats and make their way sensibly to their classrooms. Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They develop a palpable sense of belonging and relish the many opportunities to contribute to school life, such as singing in the choir or as a school councillor. Pupils feel secure and well cared for. They talk confidently about how arrangements such as visitor lanyards and fire drills keep them safe. Pupils speak warmly about the air of kindness which permeates the school. They understand their responsibility for making sure that everyone feels included. Pupils know what is expected of them and generally follow the school rules. As a result, lessons are typically calm, orderly and purposeful. Lunchtimes are happy and sociable occasions when pupils enjoy playing and chatting with friends. Pupils have no concerns about bullying and know that adults will look after them if they are worried. Leaders and staff know pupils well. They develop warm, professional relationships with pupils and keep a careful check on their learning and wellbeing. Leaders provide timely and effective support for those pupils who need extra help. As a result, pupils learn well, including disadvantaged pupils, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face barriers to their learning. Generally, pupils leave the school securely equipped with the key knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to ensure that the revised curriculum in handwriting, spelling and multiplication tables facts is securely embedded in all year groups, so that pupils’ achievement is consistently high across all areas of learning. • Leaders should ensure that staff continue to embed the teaching of behaviour strategies so that pupils demonstrate consistent self-discipline and dedication to learning.

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