St Bernard's RC Primary School, Bolton

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2022

Pupils enjoy coming to this kind, caring school. Every morning teachers greet pupils, parents and carers with a smile. Pupils feel happy and safe. They enjoy coming to school and look forward to what they are going to learn. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils' achievement, including those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils try their best and enjoy knowing that they are learning lots. They appreciate the many trips and experiences on offer to them, which enhance their learning. Pupils live up to leaders' high expectations for their behaviour. They are polite and well behaved in lessons and at playtimes. Pupils feel confident about talking to a trusted adult if they have any concerns. They know that staff will listen to them. Leaders deal with any incidents of bullying swiftly should they occur. Pupils readily assume a range of responsibilities, including being playtime buddies, peer mediators, eco team members, school councillors and house captains. They value being able to help each other, the community and the wider world. Pupils take these roles seriously and feel proud that they are able to make a difference, for example the enterprise club raises money for the local church community.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of subjects, leaders have not made the knowledge that pupils must learn and remember clear enough to teachers. Consequently, pupils are not building on previous knowledge as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that the essential knowledge that pupils need to know and remember in each subject is sufficiently clear to teachers and organised well.

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