St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 November 2024

St Ethelbert's Catholic Primary School is an inclusive community. The school's values underpin its work. Pupils quickly develop a sense that they belong here, whether they are part of the specialised resource provision or have recently joined in the early years. Pupils are cared for by nurturing staff, who know them well. They seek to emulate the politeness shown to them by staff in their own actions. Expectations of pupils' academic achievement are high from Nursery onwards. Pupils are provided with the support they need to succeed, whatever their starting points. In lessons, pupils are enthusiastic learners. They know and follow school routines very well, including in the early years. Pupils enjoy applying themselves to the learning tasks set by their teachers and are keen to do their best. As a result, they achieve well in the national tests at the end of key stage 2. Pupils actively look for opportunities to help others, to celebrate their differences and to positively contribute to their community. They enjoy taking on various responsibilities, such as being house captains or subject ambassadors. Older pupils run popular lunchtime activities, including chess and craft clubs.

What the school should improve

• In some lessons, checks on pupils' learning do not identify gaps in pupils' knowledge sufficiently well. As a result, some teachers do not adapt their teaching to help pupils to make secure progress through the curriculum. The school should continue to ensure that staff are equipped with the expertise to swiftly identify and remedy gaps in pupils' knowledge.

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