St Agnes RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

St Agnes is an outstanding school. This is also the view of most parents and carers, accurately summed up in the words of one: 'The school is run by lovely people who care about their pupils and their needs.'

Achievement is outstanding because pupils are taught by skilled staff. As a result, they make excellent progress throughout the school to reach well above nationally expected standards by the end of Key Stage 2. Combined with the promotion of their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development that is deeply ingrained in all aspects of the school's life, the school prepares pupils exceptionally well for entry into secondary education.

Pupils are extremely proud of their school and th...eir achievements. Many commented that 'teaching is really good', 'it's really fun' and that they 'want to get better and better'. Teachers provide exceptionally clear guidance in well-planned and highly structured lessons.

Because marking and regular assessments are detailed and thorough, pupils are very clear about their targets and how to improve their learning. Pupils make rapid progress in all year groups. Very occasionally, lessons lose pace, but the vast majority of evidence from lessons and samples of pupils' work show that teaching and learning are typically outstanding.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are exceptionally attentive during lessons, and, as a result, are able to carry out tasks very quickly. Their relationships with staff and each other are extremely positive and productive.

Pupils are also provided with a very secure environment in which their welfare and safety are seen to be paramount. As a result, pupils thoroughly enjoy school. Leaders and managers, ably supported by the governing body, have developed an excellent learning, and deeply spiritual, environment, and have consistently improved teaching and learning though highly effective performance management.

The school provides an exciting, imaginative and innovative curriculum, leading to immense enrichment of pupils' academic and personal development.

Information about the school

This is an average-sized inner city primary school serving a culturally diverse community. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is more than double the national average.

Two thirds of all pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds, with the largest groups from Black African mixed heritages, Black Caribbean and White British heritages. Almost one third of pupils speak English as an additional language, nearly double the national average, and this is increasing year on year. The proportion of pupils on school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is higher than average, with the majority having speaking, language and communication difficulties.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school runs a breakfast club between 8am and 9am daily. It is a member of the Get Set Olympic network and has gained Quality Mark and Artsmark awards, and holds Healthy Schools status.