The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John RC Primary

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 June 2026

Pupils at this school are happy and safe. They are welcomed to school each day by staff who know them well. Pupils have positive relationships with staff. Typically, pupils attend school regularly. They enjoy coming to school and try hard in lessons. Ripples of kindness flow throughout the school day, which make it calm, orderly and purposeful. Children in the early years settle promptly when they arrive at school. Staff have the skills to meet children’s needs. The early years’ classrooms are full of smiles and joy in learning and discovery. Pupils who speak English as an additional language get the help that they need to catch up quickly. They are supported well by trained staff. Guided by the values of the school, pupils are resilient and curious and have high aspirations for their futures. They are kind to one another. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that staff will help them if they need it. They are proud of their heritage. They celebrate each other’s differences warmly. This ensures that everyone is included. In general, pupils get the help that they need to reduce any barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing. As such, typically pupils achieve well. That said, pupils’ writing skills are underdeveloped. This means that pupils have not always been as well prepared as they should be for the next stage of their learning. Pupils talk with confidence about their next steps and look forward to the future. Pupils are keen to lead the way. They are proud of their work on the school council, for example. Pupils develop new interests and nurture talents through the range of extra-curricular activities that are on offer. For instance, pupils play sports, take part in dance and attend art club.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure consistent, high-quality teaching of spelling and handwriting and address letter-formation gaps for all pupils, including older pupils, so they build the secure foundations needed for successful writing.
• Leaders should continue to implement strategies to raise achievement, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, so that pupils achieve well in national tests

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