St Joseph's Catholic Primary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 October 2024

Pupils are happy at this warm and welcoming school. There is a strong family feel, with pupils genuinely caring for each other. Pupils are respectful as they move around school. Pupils, including the very youngest are polite to each other, staff and visitors. Adults and pupils have positive, respectful relationships. Pupils are safe. The school has high expectations for learning and behaviour. The school can clearly explain why outcomes and progress in 2023 fell below the expected standard. The actions taken by the school, including the appointment of a new leadership team, have led to higher quality learning for pupils. The pastoral offer is strong. For example, the pastoral team runs mental health workshops, especially focused on Year 6 girls and their friendships and relationships. The school accesses support from charities for families in need. Pupils understand the importance of equality. One pupil said, 'It's important to treat everyone how you want to be treated.' There is a focus on using pupils to celebrate their own cultures with others through sharing information and art competitions. Parents and carers talk positively about the school. They feel listened to and welcome the communication that they receive.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the implementation of the curriculum does not meet subject leaders' high expectations. This means that pupils experience variability in the way the curriculum in some subjects is taught across the school. In these cases, pupils do not learn as well as they should. The school should ensure that all subject leaders have the expertise to check that the curriculum in their subject area is being taught as they intend and support staff where required.
• The recording of some pupils' written work contains inconsistent letter formation and lacks pride. Teachers do not consistently pick up on this. This means that some pupils repeat the same mistakes. The school should ensure that the writing expectations across the curriculum are clearly established so that teachers address errors promptly and pupils present their work with pride.
• Some pupils do not attend school often enough. This means that these pupils miss out on important learning and do not make the progress they should. The school should continue to develop the recently implemented systems to secure sustained and regular attendance.

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