St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Pupils feel a strong sense of belonging to this small and nurturing school. Staff know pupils and their families well. Parents and carers value the 'family feel' of the school that ensures that pupils are safe, included and understood. The school's values of faith, hope, love and learning set high aspirations for pupils in all aspects of their lives. Pupils feel supported to make the right choices and respect one another. Leaders ensure that they identify and address any barriers to pupils' learning at the earliest opportunity so that pupils progress well from their starting points. Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, typically achieve well. Pupils enjoy school because of the warm atmosphere that staff have fostered. They are enthusiastic learners with positive attitudes towards their education. This is reflected in the large number of pupils who have high rates of attendance. Pupils feel safe from the harmful effects of bullying because staff intervene at the smallest signs of misbehaviour. Pupils trust any member of staff with their worries. They know that they will be cared for well. Leaders have ensured that the wider opportunities on offer match pupils' talents and ambitions. There are a range of after-school clubs that cater for pupils' interests. Older pupils value the responsibilities that they carry out around the school, such as being play leaders for younger pupils. The school's personal development offer ensures that pupils have a strong understanding of fundamental British Values. Trips, such as a recent school council visit to the local mayor, and opportunities to debate current affairs, contribute to pupils being well prepared for a role in modern British society. They also have opportunities to learn about the wider world and their place in it through charity events and their curriculum studies.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the misconceptions of some pupils in mathematics are addressed more effectively so that these pupils are more confident to apply their mathematical knowledge when solving problems. • Leaders should ensure that teaching develops pupils' subject-specific knowledge more securely in a small number of subjects so that they better understand the subject disciplines.

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