St John Bosco Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school.

When children arrive in the Nursery, their skills and abilities are considerably below those expected at their age. They develop rapidly throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage. Teaching that is usually at least good and often outstanding ensures that they maintain excellent progress so that attainment, at the end of Year 6, is above average.

Many, but not yet all pupils write neatly and present their work to a high standard. The vast majority of pupils, parents and carers are extremely positive about the teaching and care that the school provides. Teachers are very aware of pupils' individual needs, and the school works relentlessly to ensure that they are m...et.

Structured phonics sessions (linking words and sounds) are well organised so that children quickly learn to read and write. The special needs coordinator manages a comprehensive system of support for pupils who find the work difficult. This support is based upon the school's excellent tracking system and makes an exceptional contribution to the excellent progress of all groups of pupils.

Pupils are unfailingly polite, and their maturity and enthusiasm contribute greatly to their learning. They support one another well, and are very sensitive to the needs of others. Pupils take full advantage of the school's excellent and varied curriculum, in which creativity is highly valued.

As a result, their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. The headteacher and his deputy work very successfully and in close collaboration with staff and members of the governing body to provide pupils with an outstanding education. The governors are fastidious in ensuring that they understand the school's needs, and hold the headteacher and all leaders to account.

Information about the school

St John Bosco Catholic Primary School is an average-sized primary school, with Early Years Foundation Stage provision in morning and afternoon Nursery classes and one Reception class. A privately run breakfast club operates each morning. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above average.

An above-average proportion, just under half of the pupils, is of minority ethnic heritage. Most of these are Polish or Asian, predominently Indian. Nearly a third speak English as an additional language, a well-above average proportion, with many Polish speakers.

An above-average proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs and two have statements of special educational needs. About half the pupils are Roman Catholic, and the school is oversubscribed in all year groups. The number of pupils who join or leave the school other than at the normal time is above average.

The school is enjoying a period of staffing stability following the appointment of the current headteacher in 2009. The school holds a Healthy Schools Platinum award, is an ICT Hub of Excellence for information and communication technology in Sandwell, and holds a full International Schools Award, with partner schools in The Gambia, India and Poland. The school meets current floor standards.