St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Stacksteads, Bacup

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 April 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this welcoming school. They feel well cared for and safe. Pupils are warmly greeted each morning by staff. These positive relationships help pupils to settle quickly into the routines of the day. Pupils generally behave well, because most understand and respect the school rules. However, a few pupils do not behave as well as they should. When bullying happens, it is dealt with appropriately. Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This makes it difficult for them to keep pace with the curriculum. Most pupils enjoy their learning. They say that this is because the curriculum is interesting and teachers find ways to make learning fun. However, pupils do not achieve as well as they should. This is because their journey through the curriculum is uneven. Some children do not secure the foundations for later learning in the early years. These gaps in their knowledge are not addressed well enough as they move up through school. Consequently, some pupils are not ready for the next stage of their learning. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities typically learn what they should. This is because staff adjust their teaching to make sure that these pupils receive the support that they need. Leaders arrange visits to enrich pupils’ knowledge, such as watching an orchestra perform and visiting local museums. Pupils benefit from a variety of clubs. These include baking, boxing and football. Most older pupils are good role models for their younger peers. They are proud of the leadership roles that they hold, such as acting as prefects, digital leaders and playground leaders.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should develop the expertise of staff in early years to deliver the curriculum with a particular focus on early reading and writing so that children move into Year 1 with secure foundations for future success.
• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is taught consistently well so that pupils learn all that they should from the start of their education and do not have to catch up as they get older.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers identify and remedy weaknesses in pupils' writing knowledge, so that they develop fluency and can write accurately across the curriculum.
• Leaders should continue to build on their strategies to promote regular attendance so that absence levels reduce over time.
• Leaders, including governors, should improve their oversight of the curriculum and the quality of teaching, allowing them to take timely action to address weaknesses.

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