St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The highly effective interim leadership has put the school firmly back on track following years of underperformance.

The interim arrangements for governance are strong, and there are appropriate plans in place to secure long-term leadership and governance. Leaders' determination to shift the culture to one in which there are high expectations of everyone has been an important factor in the school's on-going improvement. Teaching, learning and assessment have improved since the previous inspection and are now good.

However, there remain some inconsistencies, especially in the teaching of writing. While the curriculum makes interesting link...s across subjects, it is not fully consistent in promoting pupils' secure understanding across a range of different subjects. Most pupils currently in school, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.

Pupils' progress is stronger than in previous years. Nonetheless, the most able pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, are capable of more. Although they are challenged well in mathematics, this is not consistently the case in other subjects.

Pupils' behaviour is good, and their attendance has improved. Pupils feel safe at the school and show respect to each other and to adults. Children make good progress in the early years and are prepared well for Year 1.

Despite the improvements in the school's effectiveness, too many parents and carers do not have confidence in the work of the school.

Information about this school

St Mary Star of the Sea is a Roman Catholic primary school. A section 48 inspection was carried out in July 2015.

It is smaller than the average-sized primary school. There are seven classes from Reception to Year 6. Children in the early years are taught in one full-time Reception class.

The school is currently led by an interim executive headteacher and an interim head of school from the local authority, who each work three days a week at the school. Several teachers are new to the school since the previous inspection. Following the previous inspection, the local authority established an IEB to replace the governing body.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils identified with SEND is slightly higher than the national average. The school has a diverse population.

Just over one third of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils with English as an additional language is higher than the national average. The school runs a breakfast and after-school club.