St Mary's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 November 2022

Pupils are very happy coming to St Mary's Catholic Primary School. Staff have forged positive relationships with children from the Nursery class through to older pupils in Year 6. Leaders' values of respect, love and care are palpable among the staff and pupils. This helps pupils to feel safe. Leaders have very high expectations of pupils' behaviour and learning, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These expectations are understood by pupils, who take pride in their successes and commit to their learning. Most pupils achieve well. Pupils are very respectful and considerate of each other and of adults. They look after one another and take great care to ensure that everyone is included. Rare incidents of bullying are dealt with swiftly and effectively by leaders so they do not happen again. Leaders place a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. Older pupils are involved in the Cumbrian Award. This initiative develops their team building, resilience and perseverance skills. Pupils have participated in community projects within this initiative. For example, they have created a business to design and make products to sell. They have raised a substantial amount of money for local charities. This helps pupils to become responsible citizens and to make a positive contribution to society.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, the curriculums have been recently introduced. As a result, leaders are still developing strategies to check that the intended curriculum helps pupils to know more and remember more over time. Leaders should ensure that staff are well equipped to check that pupils are learning the intended curriculum.

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