St Catherine's CofE (VC) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils are proud of their school. They model the school’s values of love, community and hope in all that they do. They attend regularly. Pupils arrive each day with smiles on their faces and build positive relationships with one another and with the adults who support them. Pupils are safe and know that adults listen to what they have to say and will help them to resolve any worries they might have. Pupils have positive attitudes and demonstrate enthusiasm for what they are learning. They share their ideas and opinions confidently during lessons. Right from the start, pupils relish the opportunity to ‘stand and deliver’ their answers to the rest of the class. Staff adapt activities carefully so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities can learn alongside their classmates. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve very well in a wide range of subjects. They are fully prepared for their next steps in education. Pupils thrive in a calm and respectful environment. They are polite, well-mannered and helpful. Older pupils are keen to support younger pupils, for example, during worship assemblies and at breakfast club. Pupils enjoy spending time with their friends at social times. They say that if there is any bullying or unkind behaviour an adult will deal with it quickly. Pupils are pleased to take up leadership responsibilities, including as a school council member or a worship leader. The school’s young leader programme helps pupils to develop confidence and contribute to decisions about the school, for example the charities that they raise funds for. Pupils are passionate about making a positive difference for others in the school and local community. Parents and carers are supportive of the school. Many commented on the great start their children have in the early years and how welcoming the school is.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should further develop adult interactions with children in the early years to maximise opportunities to deepen learning in all activities.
• Leaders should continue to strengthen opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of cultural diversity, so that they are even better prepared for life in modern Britain.
• Leaders should continue with their work around attendance so that the attendance of pupils who face barriers to attending well improves, to be consistently high.

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