An “exceptional” primary school in Newchurch, where children “shine and thrive”, has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.
St Peter's RC Primary School, on St Peter’s Road, was given the highest possible rating across the board by the government inspectors, 10 years after it was graded Outstanding by Ofsted at its last inspection.
Ofsted no longer gives overarching ratings to state-funded schools, but St Peter's received an outstanding score in each of the inspection areas.
Proud headteacher Mrs Helen Sullivan, who was also at the helm last time, praised her staff, pupils, parents and governors, who make up the St Peter's family, an ethos which particularly delighted the inspectors who noted that pupils "thrive at this happy school".
Inspectors said the school had “the highest aspirations for the achievement of all its pupils”. It also said “children are immersed in an ambitious and engaging curriculum”.
The school ensures that pupils have thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject curriculum content that they teach. They check pupils’ knowledge and quickly address any gaps or misconceptions that pupils may have.
The report said: “Pupils thrive at this happy school. It aims, and succeeds, in ‘unlocking potential with the keys of love, respect and friendship’, the mission the school embraces.”
Pupils’ behaviour was said to be “a joy to behold” with inspectors saying they were “consistently respectful and kind to each other and to adults”. Pupils are said to flourish in the school’s “friendly and harmonious atmosphere”.
The school also caters for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) by designing appropriate activities to ensure that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum alongside their peers.
Inspectors also praised the behaviour as well as stating that “the school’s approach to supporting pupils’ personal development is exceptional. It provides a wealth of opportunities for all pupils to engage in enriching clubs, activities and competitions which develop their talents and interests”.
Pupils were also said to be motivated learners and know “that all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, should be treated with respect and accepted into the community”.
Among other areas, pupils' attendance and punctuality were praised, while the inspectors noted that "parents, rightly, hold the school in very high regard.", in part due to how the school involves them in their children’s education at every opportunity.
Mrs Sullivan said: "We're thrilled with our outstanding Ofsted inspection report! It really highlights the amazing work of our whole school community.
“The inspection team truly captured the uniqueness of St Peter's RCPS, commenting on how our children shine in a supportive, friendly and harmonious environment.
"This recognition shows our commitment to ensuring we create a welcoming and vibrant community that prepares every child for a bright future.”
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