St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 January 2023

Pupils are proud to attend this warm and welcoming school, where there is a safe and nurturing environment. Parents agree and regard the school highly. The school's seven values are woven through daily life and are lived out by the whole community. Pupils are kind and considerate towards each other. Bullying and unkind behaviour are rare. If it happens, children know staff will deal with it firmly and sensitively. Pupils behave very well. They are polite and well mannered because staff show them constantly how important this is. Right from the start of early years, staff have high expectations of pupils' achievement. Pupils concentrate well in class and enjoy learning. Reading is valued and pupils talk enthusiastically about the books they love. There is a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and sports, such as athletics, dance and sewing. Staff encourage pupils to get involved, particularly those pupils from a disadvantaged background. Pupils also have ample opportunities to develop their leadership skills. These include mentoring younger children, fundraising and taking part in the school and spiritual councils. The school council has recently been responsible for selecting new playground equipment. Pupils really appreciate their well-organised and motivating outdoor environment. One pupil commented, 'It's lovely here.'

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not teach a small number of subjects as well as they could because they are not familiar with how the curriculum is organised in these subjects. This means that pupils do not always remember what they have been taught. Leaders should ensure that professional development is effective in supporting teachers to teach every subject equally well.

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