St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ulverston

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Pupils at St Mary's appreciate the care and attention that staff provide. This makes the school a welcoming and supportive environment for pupils. Pupils have secure and supportive relationships with staff. They are mindful of following the school's 3 rights: the right to learn, be safe and be respected. Pupils use these principles in their everyday interactions with each other. They behave well and maintain positive relationships with their peers. Staff do not allow poor behaviour to escalate. Incidents of bullying are extremely rare. Pupils know how to manage their own feelings and emotions because of the support that staff provide. This means that the environment is generally calm and purposeful, with clear routines. For example, in the early years, children settle independently at the start of the day. Pupils trust staff and feel safe in their care. This helps to foster in pupils a clear sense of belonging to the school. Pupils are proud to be part of a community where everyone is welcome, valued and included. Pupils enjoy coming to school. This is clearly evidenced in pupils' high rates of attendance. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils' achievement. Pupils have a positive attitude towards their education and attain well. Leaders ensure that barriers to learning are identified swiftly, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils progress well through the curriculum and from their starting points because staff use effective strategies to support them to do so. Pupils benefit from a rich and varied range of curriculum experiences. For example, they have regular walks in the local environment to supplement their learning, helping to reinforce their geographical knowledge. Pupils are extremely well prepared to become mature and responsible members of the school and wider community. For example, pupils lead sports activities for younger pupils and raise funds to support charities.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all staff consistently and effectively address basic errors in pupils’ handwriting, spelling and punctuation so that these do not persist.
• Leaders should ensure that all teachers apply consistent expectations of behaviour in lessons so that pupils remain focused and do not distract others from their learning.

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