St Francis Catholic Primary School, Goosnargh

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 January 2026

Pupils at this small, welcoming school value the way in which staff take the time and effort to get to know them and their families. This creates a calm and harmonious atmosphere. Pupils feel cared for and safe. The highly positive relationships that pupils have with staff and their peers ensure that they have a deep sense of belonging to the school community. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included in all aspects of school life. Staff make learning relevant and interesting so that pupils enjoy their studies. Staff set very high expectations to ensure that pupils attain well in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of key stage 2. Some disadvantaged pupils, and those with SEND, exceed these standards. Leaders have a range of effective strategies in place to identify where pupils need additional support. Staff are skilled at addressing any barriers to pupils’ learning. The increasing number of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs are supported well. They progress well from their various starting points. Pupils behave extremely well. They have positive attitudes towards school. Bullying is extremely rare because early signs of misbehaviour are tackled well by staff. Leaders continually promote the importance of being in school. This results in high rates of attendance. Pupils are very well prepared for their next steps, both academically and for life in modern Britain. During their time at the school, they experience a staggering array of opportunities to extend their personal development. They develop a detailed awareness of community and global issues, for example through projects such as the pupils’ campaign to encourage school suppliers to reduce their use of single-use plastics. All activities are chosen purposefully by leaders to promote the school’s vision for ‘living, feeling and dreaming’.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.

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