Wednesfield primary school where pupils 'greet visitors with a smile' celebrates improved Ofsted result

St Patrick's Catholic Primary Academy on Graiseley Lane has celebrated the positive result after an inspection by the education watchdog in June.

It was the school's first Ofsted visit since joining the St Francis and St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Company in 2020.

Inspectors noted improvements had been made since its last inspection in 2018, where teaching was criticised and staff were found to not assess pupils' progress accurately.

In their report, they said a "completely new curriculum" is now in place at the school and pupils now receive a "high-quality education".

Youngsters were found to be "safe and happy" and know that being kind is "the most important thing to be".

Pupils were also said to "greet visitors with a smile" and enjoy taking parts in clubs on offer including dodgeball and wheelchair basketball.

The report added that there is a "can-do" culture at the school and expectations of what can be achieved are "without limits".

Inspectors said "most" youngsters attend regularly and that staff "successfully support" parents to understand the importance of attending school.

They further noted that a "key feature" of the school's success is how well staff are trained but said "not all staff" are consistently checking pupil's understanding as they learn, meaning some continue to make the "same mistakes".

Reading was described as a "high priority" at the school but inspectors noted that some of the weakest readers are not supported to develop fluency "quickly enough".

St Patrick's was praised for being "inclusive", with youngsters with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) taking part in "all activities" on offer.

While these pupils were said to be "increasingly well supported", it was found that they didn't all have support plans which "identify precisely" what is needed to be support them in their learning.

Ofsted overall concluded the school to be "good" in each of its inspection areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Principal Sophia Mulrooney said: "Since I joined the school four years ago, we have been on a rapid journey of improvement.

“We have all strived to create a curriculum offer suited to the needs of our children. At St Patrick's, it's not just about academic excellence, but for us providing opportunities that give the children a love of learning while making memories that will last a lifetime is just as important.

“I am so proud of all the children, staff, parents and everyone who has played a part in this achievement."

The school's Ofsted success brings about two reasons to celebrate, as it now means that all schools which are part of the St Clare Multi Academy Trust are now rated either good or outstanding.

Trust CEO Toni Ellis added: "St Patrick's celebrates this inspection report in light of the many wonderful achievements of its pupils, staff and families over recent years.

“Thank you to Mrs Mulrooney for her excellent leadership and for developing such a unique, aspirational and special school family.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for children, young people and education, also passed on her congratulations.

She said: "This is an excellent report with inspectors rightly saying that it is an exciting time to be part of the St Patrick’s community.

"I would like to congratulate Sophia and everyone at the school on this fabulous outcome."

St Patrick's is among 92 per cent of schools in Wolverhampton that are now rated either good or outstanding, scoring above the regional and national average.