Inspectors praise school described as 'amazing' by pupils

A school where staff have high expectations for their pupils – and which children themselves describe as 'amazing' – has been praised by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Holy Rosary Catholic Primary Academy in December, and in their report published recently describe it is as a 'warm and friendly school where pupils are highly valued, have fun and work hard' and where 'staff are incredibly kind and caring'.

The 'aspirational' curriculum is carefully designed with ambitious aims for pupils who build 'strong foundations' in reading, spelling, handwriting and numbers.

Children make a positive start in the early years. Phonics is taught well and pupils receive 'very effective support' to become fluent and confident readers meaning that, by the end of Reception, children are well prepared for Year 1.

Pupils achieve 'high standards in reading, writing and mathematics' by the end of Year 6, and achieve well across the curriculum. Meanwhile, the school has recently opened a nursery class to ensure that it can secure strong foundations even earlier.

Pupils who face barriers to learning, including those who are disadvantaged and pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), 'make strong progress' which is better than that of other pupils nationally.

The school has a 'highly effective' culture of inclusion. Staff work closely with families and external agencies to make sure that they know pupils’ specific needs well. Any barriers to learning or wellbeing are quickly and effectively addressed and, 'as a result, pupils thrive'.

Leaders 'consistently demonstrate their highly ambitious vision', making decisions in the best interests of all pupils and setting 'high expectations for how pupils should behave'.

Insightful analysis of school performance supports leaders to identify what works well and areas for development, while a 'highly effective' professional learning culture is well embedded, with staff valuing their professional development. Meanwhile, governors and trustees make sure that the school’s ambitious vision for all pupils is 'clear and understood by staff, parents and pupils'.

Holy Rosary offers numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge through its 'carefully constructed and adapted' personal development programme, which is 'highly effective in raising aspirations'. Pupils 'are incredibly polite and respectful towards others', demonstrating high levels of respect and tolerance and making a positive impact in their school and community.

Highly effective pastoral care supports pupils' wellbeing, with staff knowing pupils 'incredibly well' and providing personalised support and nurture activities 'to make absolutely sure that pupils thrive'.

Under its new inspection regime, Ofsted concluded that Holy Rosary is at Strong Standard for Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Early years, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, and Personal development and well-being, and at Expected Standard for Attendance and behaviour, and Early years. The school also meets safeguarding standards.

Executive Principal Adam Jewkes said: "I am extremely proud and humbled to lead such a fantastic school family, including an incredibly dedicated team of staff!“Our report is a wonderful reflection of the high levels of achievement here, as well as the happy, vibrant and fun school experience that we provide. Holy Rosary is a school that strives to provide the best start in life for all our children and we enjoy working closely with our families to ensure that this happens.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "As a former pupil of Holy Rosary myself, I am delighted to read this report which is a wonderful endorsement of the hard work and dedication shown every day at the school.“Pupils clearly feel proud of their school – and rightly so. The commitment of staff to inclusion, aspiration and kindness shines through, and it is fantastic to see children thriving academically and personally – they should be delighted with everything they have achieved."