St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Pupils enjoy attending this school. They benefit from positive relationships with adults. This helps them to feel safe. Many pupils enjoy learning because they find the curriculum interesting. Pupils with barriers to learning have their needs identified quickly and they receive the support that they need to learn alongside their peers. Teachers have the training and knowledge that they need to teach well. Nevertheless, some pupils, especially older pupils, are not ready for the next steps in their education. This is because they have not benefited fully from leaders' recent changes to the curriculum. Some of these pupils have gaps in their knowledge, which hold them back from achieving as well as they should. Typically, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, are included fully in activities that the school offers. Leaders ensure that additional funding is targeted for this to happen. For example, leaders make sure that pupils who face additional challenges receive extra help with their learning and participate in trips. Pupils appreciate learning outside the classroom, such as visits to museums and farms. Most pupils respect each other and play well together. Many pupils excel in their various roles and responsibilities. Older pupils are positive role models for children in the early years. Pupils enjoy the many leadership opportunities on offer. For instance, they act as 'play pals', ‘rota kids’ and ‘mini police'. Leaders organise many clubs, including radio club, gymnastics and choir. They make sure that all pupils can join in if they wish to. Pupils also take part in projects that inspire them, such as virtual reality experiences and working with a professional orchestra, as well as science and technology days at the local college. Pupils generally behave well. They understand the rules and routines and respect the school’s values. When bullying happens, leaders deal with it appropriately. Pupils attend school regularly.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the gaps in pupils' knowledge, especially older pupils, are reduced so that these pupils attain well by the end of Year 6 and are ready for the next stage of their education.
• Leaders should ensure that teachers address errors and misconceptions in pupils' work more effectively so that pupils build future learning on a secure body of knowledge.
• Leaders should refine their checks on teaching so that they can measure the impact of their improvement work on pupils' achievement, especially in closing gaps for older pupils.

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