St James' CofE Primary School Gorton

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

St James' is a warm and welcoming school. Parents and carers value the efforts that leaders make to involve them in the life of the school, such as 'stay and play' opportunities in the early years. Teachers have increasingly high expectations of all pupils, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders recognise that, in the past, pupils have not achieved as well as they should. They have made rapid changes to successfully address areas of weakness in the curriculum. As a result, pupils achieve well. Pupils behave well in lessons and around school. They know that staff expect them to treat each other with kindness and respect. Pupils told the inspector that this is a school where everyone is treated equally, and that discrimination is unacceptable. Incidents of bullying are rare and are resolved quickly and effectively by leaders. This helps pupils to feel happy and safe. Pupils benefit from a wide variety of sporting opportunities, including a popular and successful cheerleading team. In addition, they can join the choir, and can participate in activities such as mindfulness and French club. Pupils develop their leadership skills by acting as representatives of the school council and by becoming school prefects and worship leaders.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, teachers do not support pupils to remember their prior knowledge as effectively as they should. As a result, some pupils have gaps in the knowledge most useful for subsequent learning. Leaders should ensure that teachers are equipped to help pupils to revisit and remember their learning securely.

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