St Michaels Catholic Primary & Nursery School
St Michael's Road, Widnes, WA8 8TDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Michaels Catholic Primary & Nursery School is a primary school in Widnes for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 69 schools in Halton. It ranks 10th of 19 primary schools in Widnes. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 16 May 2023, report published 10 September 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 16 May 2023
Pupils love coming to this school, which leaders aptly describe as an oasis. Leaders have given careful thought to the school environment, from the calming corridors and unique library to the outdoor spaces. Pupils are very well looked after, and they thrive in this caring environment. Leaders make sure that pupils feel happy and safe. They have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. In many subjects, many pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Staff have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils rise to these high expectations. Their behaviour is exemplary. They demonstrate high levels of self- control and have positive attitudes to their learning. Pupils rarely fall out with each other because they care for, and respect, one another. They also have excellent relationships with teachers and staff. Leaders act very quickly to address any bullying concerns as soon as they arise. Many pupils enjoy the sports clubs and competitions available to them. They also spoke positively about the annual residential visits.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils who struggle to read fluently do not receive effective support to help them improve their knowledge of the sounds letter make. This is because some staff lack the expertise needed to provide carefully targeted support. As a result, some pupils do not become confident readers quickly enough. Leaders should ensure that staff are well equipped to help pupils who fall behind in their reading to catch up quickly.
- In one or two subjects, including from the early years, leaders have not broken down the knowledge that they want pupils to learn into a logical order. Sometimes this means that pupils do not build their knowledge securely over time. Leaders should clarify the small steps of knowledge that they expect teachers to teach, and in what order they should teach it, so that pupils are prepared well for future learning.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
29 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
253 pupils on roll, with places for 245
Schools near St Michaels Catholic Primary & Nursery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakfield Community Primary School | 0.6 miles | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | 33% met the expected standard |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Catholic Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 61% met the expected standard |
| Halebank CofE Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 46% met the expected standard |
| Ditton Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 54% met the expected standard |
| St Michael with St Thomas CE Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 75% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Paul Loughran
- Phone
- 01514244468
- Address
- St Michael's Road, Widnes, WA8 8TD
- Local authority
- Halton
- URN
- 111393
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.