Good Ofsted judgement for St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School

Following an Ofsted inspection in March 2024, St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School continues to be a good school.

Inspectors noted that:-

• Pupils are happy in school. They described it as ‘a loving, caring and safe community’. Pupils are welcoming, polite and respectful. They are proud of the contribution that they make to their wider community.
• Pupils know that all staff expect them to behave well. They are attentive in lessons and focus on their learning.
• Pupils with more complex needs get the help that they need to manage their feelings.
• Pupils work hard to meet staff’s high expectations of their academic achievement and wider development.
• The school has a clear vision to prepare pupils for the next stage in their lives.
• Pupils, including those with SEND, typically achieve well across a range of subjects.
• Pupils benefit from a well-designed enrichment programme. They enjoy the varied range of experiences available to them, such as after-school clubs and opportunities to take part in performances. Pupils relish taking part in the school’s ‘Spotlight’ offer, which encourages them to discover and strengthen new talents.
• Through their many leadership roles, pupils contribute to decision-making and teamwork within school. For example, pupils who act as reading ambassadors recommend books to their peers and work with staff to choose new novels.
• The school has constructed an ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum for pupils, including those with SEND.
• Reading has been placed at the heart of every curriculum subject. Most pupils read with fluency and understanding.
• Teachers have accessed a wide range of training. They draw on findings from educational research to keep their subject knowledge up to date. The school makes sure that teachers know how to deliver subject curriculums effectively.
• The school has implemented a whole-school approach to teaching phonics for pupils who are at the early stages of learning to read.
• The school identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND quickly and accurately. It works well with external agencies to ensure that these pupils receive timely, high-quality support. Staff successfully adapt the delivery of the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.
• Pupils work well with each other and try their best in lessons. They engage in their learning with enthusiasm.
• The school has innovatively designed its personal development programme. Particular attention is spent on pupils’ safety, health and well-being.
• Members of the governing body provide valuable support and challenge to the school. They understand their statutory duties well.
• Staff are highly positive about the support and consideration that they receive for their workload and well-being. Staff are proud to be part of the school team.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective.

Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“This is a very well-deserved outcome for St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School, maintaining their “Good” judgement across all areas. Everyone at the school should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”