St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Osbaldeston

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils feel known and valued in this small, welcoming school. They embody the school’s values to believe, achieve and flourish. The whole-school buddy programme ensures that every pupil has a trusted friend to turn to for help and advice. Consequently, pupils develop relationships across year groups, which contributes to a sense of belonging to the school community. Pupils know that bullying is rare. When concerns do arise, leaders deal with them quickly. This helps pupils to feel safe. Attendance rates are high. Jasper, the school’s dog, welcomes pupils most mornings and helps them to begin the day positively. From the Nursery and Reception Years, children get off to a strong start. Older pupils take pride in their responsibilities as buddies and act as positive role models to children in the early years. This helps them to learn routines and expectations quickly. They settle well, build trusting relationships with staff and develop confidence. Pupils endeavour to be nominated as the class ‘VIP’ during celebration assembly and enjoy a biscuit with the headteacher. Classrooms are engaging environments where pupils feel safe to learn from mistakes. Overall, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, benefit from a purposeful curriculum. They achieve well and are suitably prepared for the next stage of education. Pupils with SEND and those facing barriers to their wellbeing receive tailored support. This helps them develop socially and make progress through the curriculum. Learning is enriched through a range of experiences. Visits to places such as Bolton and Ribchester, together with a residential experience for outdoor adventurous activities, help pupils develop knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. Pupils are keen to contribute to school life through leadership roles, including the Mission Team, which supports pupils’ spiritual development in the prayer garden at lunchtimes. Pupils contribute to national charitable causes by organising events such as a coffee morning for parents, carers and the wider community.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers consistently address gaps in pupils’ handwriting skills and knowledge of times tables so that pupils can achieve well across all areas of the curriculum.
• Leaders should refine their approach to identifying, assessing and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities so there is a common understanding among all leaders, staff, parents and carers.
• Governors should refine their monitoring so that they have an accurate insight into the school’s work and they are able to offer leaders suitable support and challenge.

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