St Chad’s RC Primary School, a valued member of the Emmaus CAT family of schools, celebrates a considerable Ofsted improvement.
We are absolutely delighted to share the final Ofsted inspection report for St Chad’s RC Primary School. It is a truly inspiring report that reflects our common purpose and celebrates the collective achievements and positive impact we can make for the children, families and communities that we serve. It also highlights the strength of collegiality and collaboration between school leaders and central team colleagues, who have worked together with a shared commitment to secure the very best outcomes for children.
When Ofsted inspectors visited the school at the end of June, they saw first-hand the remarkable journey that St Chad’s has been on. Having previously been judged both inadequate and requires improvement, the school has worked in close partnership with central colleagues, walking alongside each other throughout a period of improvement and transformation. Together, they have worked tirelessly to create an environment where children are listened to, valued and able to flourish. This report captures this transformation and highlights the exceptional work taking place throughout the school.
We are particularly proud that the school was recognised as delivering strong standards in Early Years, inclusion and personal development, alongside meeting the expected standards across all other inspection areas. These outcomes are a testament to the unwavering determination of everyone involved.
This is wonderful news for St Chad’s and the wider Emmaus community. We know how much hard work, resilience and collaboration have contributed to this achievement, and it is a source of immense pride and shared joy for all. We are thrilled to celebrate this success with the school community and to share this fantastic news across Emmaus, recognising all those who have played a part in making this achievement possible. This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when school leaders, staff, governors and central colleagues work together with trust, shared purpose and an unwavering focus on the children and community we serve.
This report recognises the remarkable work taking place every day, highlighting a school where every child is welcomed, valued and supported to flourish. Inspectors found that the school mission statement to welcome all is truly “lived out each and every day”, describing the school as a “highly inclusive Catholic school” where pupils from a wide range of cultural backgrounds celebrate and embrace one another. It was particularly uplifting to see the recognition of the caring and compassionate relationships that underpin school life, alongside the calm and safe environment that leaders have created, where pupils know what is expected of them, behave positively and treat others with respect. As the report notes, bullying is not tolerated, and the school’s values provide pupils with a clear sense of right and wrong while helping them develop respect for others and an appreciation of different cultures and religions.
This report also celebrates the exceptional support provided for all learners, particularly those who may face additional barriers. Inspectors praised the wonderful platform that the early years provides for children’s first steps into education, noting that learning activities immerse children in new experiences and that the curriculum responds thoughtfully to individual needs. The school’s focus on language development ensures that pupils learning English as an additional language make rapid progress and swiftly gain confidence in speaking English. Inspectors recognised the highly effective support provided for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, recognising the personalised approaches that help pupils become increasingly independent and achieve commendable progress. This report acknowledges the ambitious curriculum from nursery to Year 6, the strong culture of reading, and the way leaders consistently make decisions in the very best interests of pupils. We are incredibly proud that Ofsted acknowledged the school’s success in reducing barriers to learning and ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their starting point or background, are able to thrive and succeed.
Why this outcome matters
This report is a celebration of St Chad’s pupils, staff, governors, families, parish and the wider Emmaus community. It recognises a school where children who join below age-related expectations make rapid progress, where disadvantaged pupils achieve as well as their peers, and where every child is given the opportunity to flourish. We know that this achievement reflects our shared vision, priorities and values in action, brought to life through the care, commitment and dedication of everyone connected to the school
Together, we have created a community where children feel safe, valued and inspired to learn, and this report celebrates all that has been achieved collectively.
Together we are stronger than any one school can be alone!