St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Teaching is outstanding and this makes a significant contribution to pupils' rapid progress. Teachers have high expectations of pupils and use a wide range of strategies to engage and motivate them.

Work is matched very well to the needs of the pupils and expectations for learning are clear. As a result pupils make consistently rapid progress in lessons. Opportunities are occasionally missed to provide further challenge for middle-attaining pupils so that they can achieve the highest levels in mathematics.

The advice given for improvement is strongest in English. Achievement is good. By the end of Year 6, attainment in reading an...d writing is significantly above national averages and above average in mathematics.

Pupils' progress from their various starting points is outstanding in English and good in mathematics. High standards have been maintained since the last inspection. Children make outstanding progress from their starting points in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Most begin Year 1 with skills that are above those expected for their age and are confident and enthusiastic learners. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are keen to do well.

They have excellent relationships with each other and adults in the school. The school is a safe, very calm and orderly community. Pupils are keen to learn and, when given the opportunity, work exceptionally well in pairs and small groups to solve problems.

They value the opportunities they have to take responsibility and to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The school has very effective systems for managing behaviour and for encouraging pupils to take care of each other and their surroundings. The school is focused very sharply on a constant drive for improvement and a willingness to take immediate action to eradicate any weaknesses.

Despite significant changes in staffing and the rapid expansion of the school since the last inspection, high standards have been maintained. Through rigorous analysis of performance, leaders identify any potential underachievement at an early stage and their careful monitoring ensures that interventions have a positive impact on pupils' outcomes. Excellent promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development enables them to thrive in a supportive, cohesive learning community.

Information about this school

St Hugh's is a much larger than average primary school. Pupils are predominantly of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is much lower than average as is the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils supported through school action, school action plus or with a statement of special educational need is lower than average, although this varies from year to year. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below average. (Pupil premium funding is provided by the government to support pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, children looked after by the local authority and the children of military personnel.

) The school meets the government's current floor standards, which is the minimum expected for pupils' attainment and progress. Since the last inspection there have been significant changes in staff and the school has increased in size. The school has a number of awards including the Dyslexia-Friendly School Award.