St Richard's RC Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 June 2024

Pupils are happy and proud of their school. As members of the school houses, known as Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, they learn to connect together with other pupils and to enjoy friendly competition. Pupils understand and follow the school's rules. They behave themselves with impressive self-control from the moment that they enter the school gate. Pupils' behaviour in lessons and as they move around the school is impeccable. Pupils are calm and learn to act responsibly. They actively encourage one another to become a 'walking superstar' and to travel to school on foot, by scooter or bicycle. Pupils develop a deep understanding of their responsibilities for the environment at school and in their local community. They understand the challenges that people face nationally and internationally about the climate. Pupils know the steps that they can take to reduce pressures on the planet's resources and climate. Pupils respond positively to the school's high expectations for their academic learning, and they achieve well. Pupils learn that working hard is an important attitude for life. They are enthused by their learning in lessons as well as in clubs such as draughts, chess, 'read with the author' and a range of sports. Pupils enjoy very positive relationships with one another, staff and leaders.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, the school has thought less clearly about the knowledge that it wants pupils to learn. This makes it more difficult for staff to know what information to teach and assess. Consequently, on occasion, pupils learn some units of work less well than they could. The school should ensure that all subjects are equally well considered. This will help staff to know what should be taught and checked to help pupils learn key knowledge successfully.
• At times, the school does not ensure that its support is well matched to the needs of some pupils with SEND. Occasionally, this affects these pupils' learning and they do not learn as well as they should. The school should support all pupils with SEND in line with their needs.
• Sometimes, the leadership of some aspects of the school's work is not as secure as it is in others. This affects how well it supports some staff to improve their work. At times, this weakness holds back some pupils' learning because staff are unclear about the most effective ways to work. The school should ensure that it develops its leadership expertise across all areas.

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