St Joseph's Catholic Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to this friendly and inclusive junior school. They arrive punctually, feel happy and are safe. Leaders aspire for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve highly. Pupils are benefiting from the revised curriculum that leaders have put in place. Leaders expect pupils to behave well at all times. Pupils respond positively to these high expectations. Behaviour in lessons and around school is good. Pupils are polite and show care for each other. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong. Pupils know that staff listen to their concerns and never tolerate bullying. Parents and carers recognise the many strengths of the school and positive changes made by the new leadership and staff. Pupils benefit from a range of visits, visitors and wider learning opportunities, including visits to museums. Pupils are proud of the opportunities they have to make a positive contribution to school life, for example as school councillors and subject ambassadors. Parents value the variety of clubs that allow pupils to develop their talents and interests, such as cooking, multi-sports and jazz contemporary dance.

What the school should improve

• In some of the foundation subjects, leaders have not identified the key knowledge and skills that pupils need to be taught and the order in which they should learn it. This leads to gaps in pupils' knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that all foundation subjects are planned and sequenced carefully so that pupils build their knowledge and skills securely over time.

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