A Catholic primary school in Failsworth has been told it could receive an outstanding grade at its next full Ofsted inspection.

St Mary’s RC Primary School, on Clive Road in Failsworth, was told it could be upgraded after an inspection in December, which was published on Tuesday, January 30.

Carrying out the routine ungraded inspection, lead inspector Kate Bowker assessed that the school, currently rated ‘good’, could be judged ‘outstanding’ at its next inspection, which will be graded.

In December, the school was rated second out of all primary schools in the borough, with 84 per cent of pupils said to reach the expected standard.

According to the new report, pupils ‘thrive’ at the school, which has 457 on the school roll, with students said to describe their school as a ‘caring and inclusive place’.

Pupils’ behaviour was commended as ‘exemplary’, while lessons were judged as ‘focused and harmonious’ by the inspector.

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The use of outdoor learning in the school’s early years was also praised, with leadership responsibilities said to be organised well, allowing pupils to take on responsibilities to contribute to school life and develop leadership skills.

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The school’s curriculum was praised as ‘well-thought-out’, with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs or disabilities also said to benefit.

Teachers were praised for their ‘logical and clear’ explanations and well-ordered learning, with pupils said to use ‘high-level language’ during classroom discussions as a result of the staffs’ skill.

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Pupils were said to enjoy reading books, with those who needed extra help quickly identified to get the support they need to catch up. Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities also had their needs ‘swiftly’ identified by staff, meaning they achieved well.

Just one point of improvement was identified in the report. Some pupils were said to not access extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities.

The report concludes that the school should help all pupils to benefit from extra-curricular experiences.

Headteacher Mary Garvey was contacted for comment. 

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