St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School in Wells has been rated ‘Good’ across all key areas by Ofsted, following an inspection on December 3 and 4, 2024. The school was praised for its safe and welcoming environment, high expectations, and strong sense of community.
Key Highlights from the Ofsted Report
A Safe and Supportive School Environment
Inspectors noted that pupils feel safe and well-supported, with a strong sense of respect and tolerance among students.
“Pupils enjoy attending this school. They feel safe and well supported. The school’s values contribute strongly to how well pupils conduct themselves. Pupils treat one another with tolerance and respect. They are calm, courteous and welcoming. Bullying is uncommon and is not tolerated.”
High Expectations and Engaged Learning
The report highlighted the school’s ambition for its pupils, particularly its efforts to link careers to the curriculum to inspire students.
“Pupils are keen to meet the high expectations that the school has of them. They behave and achieve well. The school’s approach to linking careers to the curriculum raises pupils’ aspirations and inspires them. This contributes to their eager participation in lessons, as they value learning.”
Student Leadership and Community Involvement
The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and engage in community activities.
“Pupils take on leadership roles that support their peers, such as play leaders and chaplaincy roles, increasing their confidence. They also contribute to the wider community by raising funds for charities, collecting for foodbanks, and taking part in community events.”
A Broad and Well-Structured Curriculum
The curriculum was praised for being ambitious, well-structured, and allowing pupils to build on prior learning.
“The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Staff know exactly what knowledge pupils need to learn at each stage. Pupils have many opportunities to revisit prior learning, helping them connect new knowledge to what they already know.”
Reading and Literacy as a Strength
Reading was identified as a core strength, with a focus on building fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
“Pupils read widely and often because reading is at the heart of the curriculum. The texts that underpin the English curriculum are carefully selected to increase pupils’ enjoyment of reading. Teachers have the expertise to ensure pupils build their reading skills effectively.”
Positive Behaviour and Personal Development
Inspectors commended the school’s behaviour management strategies, which encourage pupils to engage in learning and follow routines from an early age.
“Pupils behave well and are keen to learn. Staff consistently use praise and rewards to reinforce expectations. It is rare for learning to be interrupted by poor behaviour.”
Additionally, personal, social, and health education (PSHE) was highlighted as a key strength, helping pupils understand mental and physical health, online safety, and different cultures and faiths.
“Pupils learn about other faiths and cultures, with events such as ‘Language of the Month’ raising awareness of diversity.”
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the report identified two key areas for further development:
- Challenging All Pupils Appropriately
- Some students are not always given work suited to their existing knowledge, limiting their ability to deepen learning.
- The school should better tailor learning activities to ensure all pupils are appropriately challenged.
- Timely Implementation of Improvements
- Some areas for development are not addressed as quickly or consistently as they could be.
- The trust should ensure prompt and effective action when improvements are identified.
Leadership and Governance Praised
The leadership team and governance were recognised for their commitment to the school’s ongoing success.
“Leaders are mindful of workload pressures and provide effective training to staff. Those responsible for governance have robust systems to monitor quality and understand the school’s strengths and areas for development.”
Headteacher Teresa Harvey expressed pride in the school’s achievements and gratitude to staff, parents, and students.
“I am pleased that St Joseph and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School has been recognised for its continued provision of high-quality education. I have to acknowledge our team of teaching and support staff who go above and beyond every day. We are grateful to our parents for their ongoing support, and it is a pleasure to work with such amazing pupils.”
St Joseph and St Teresa Catholic Primary School has received a well-deserved ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted, reflecting its strong leadership, ambitious curriculum, and commitment to student well-being. While areas for improvement have been noted, the school remains a safe, nurturing, and high-achieving environment for its pupils.
| Visit for More News and Updates | WSOA NEWS |
