St Michael's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 January 2026

Pupils join the school from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have recently arrived in the country. Many speak English as an additional language. Others come to the school part way through their education. Leaders' ambition for every pupil is equally high. Barriers to pupils' success are swiftly identified and removed. Pupils value the care and guidance staff offer them in all aspects of school life. Pupils relish the opportunity to learn new things and enthusiastically engage in lessons. High-quality discussions are a feature of everyday school life. Pupils are confident in their knowledge and themselves. Leaders plan a wide range of experiences for each and every pupil. Staff know when pupils or families might need a little extra support. This is done in a deeply caring manner. When children join the early years setting, staff quickly get to know them. Pupils and their parents and carers are confident to speak to staff and seek guidance. Leaders have placed their school at the heart of the community. Pupils are proud of their achievements. They recognise the value of working together and including everyone. Pupils conduct themselves exceptionally well and are kind to one another. Bullying is virtually unheard of. If pupils fall out, staff quickly resolve the issue. Pupils feel safe and are kept safe by staff who are extremely vigilant. Pupils experience a high-quality education across a range of subjects. Over time, pupils' achievement has improved significantly. In several measures, pupils achieve much better than their peers nationally. Some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive a different curriculum. This has been carefully designed to help them achieve their potential. Where needed, the school's sensory room provides remarkably high-quality support and teaching for pupils with SEND. Because of the care and skill of staff, pupils with SEND flourish at the school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that staff in early years maximise opportunities to engage in high-quality interactions with children throughout the day. • Leaders should ensure that the high levels of achievement in recent national tests and statutory assessments are sustained over time and that gaps between different groups of pupils continue to narrow rapidly.

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