Stafford school where pupils feel 'secure, supported, and genuinely ‘happy’ celebrating Outstanding inspection result

The report stated that St Paul’s had taken effective action to uphold and build upon the standards identified in its previous inspection in 2018, where it was judged to be Outstanding in all areas.

The inspectors praised St Paul’s as a "shining example of a school driven by values of 'respect, excellence, perseverance, belief and courage, equality, honesty, friendship and love'.

"These core principles have shaped a vibrant learning environment where ‘pupils are confident, well-mannered, and welcoming’."

The report said that the school fostered a "consistent, warm and nurturing environment where ‘staff know and understand pupils well and was a place where children feel secure, supported, and genuinely happy."

It also said that school is ‘highly ambitious for its pupils’; equipped with ‘skilled and ambitious leaders’ and has implemented ‘many positive changes’ and set its sights on continued growth with carefully planned improvements.

Since January 2024, St Bartholomew’s CE Multi Academy Trust in Wolverhampton has been leading the school on behalf of Staffordshire County Council, paving the way for its official inclusion into the trust later this academic year.

The report said this has been well received by parents and carers who ‘have confidence in the school’ and recognise that the ‘new leadership has provided stability’ and ‘distinct improvements in their child’s learning’.

The teaching at St Paul’s was said to stand out as exemplary, with teachers bringing a ‘good knowledge of the subjects they teach’, and ‘presenting new information clearly’.

It also said that a robust commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of St Paul’s.

The report said: "The needs of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are identified with precision, ensuring they are ‘fully included in all aspects of school life’.

"Through ‘well-considered adaptations’ pupils with SEND are ‘expertly supported to access learning’ and thrive alongside their peers.

"The spirit of collaboration shines brightly at St Paul’s, where pupils enthusiastically ‘support each other with their learning’.

"Older pupils take pride in being reading buddies to younger students, fostering a love for books and shared learning.

"Pupils also ‘recall with great enthusiasm’ the educational trips they have attended, to farms and gardens, while older students ‘benefit from exciting residential visits’ that help nurture their independence."

It concluded by saying that staff were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ about their school and benefit from ‘highly effective training and support’ and inspectors described the staff as a ‘happy and united team that is expertly equipped to meet pupils’ needs’.

Headteacher Jane Gaskell said: “We are absolutely delighted to have maintained our Outstanding status.

"It is a true reflection of the hard work and determination of the staff, pupils and entire school community and the result of following our Rainbow Values as mentioned in the inspection report.

“We will continue to work in partnership with our parents, carers and school community, ensuring our children are happy and safe in the warm and nurturing environment that we have created at St Paul’s, a place we are extremely proud to call our family home.”

Katy Kent, CEO of St Bartholomew's CE Multi Academy Trust, echoed the celebration, saying: "We are very proud of the continued successes here at St Paul’s. Its Outstanding status is a true testament to the exceptional work of our staff team and delightful children. 

"We look forward to the school continuing to thrive within our St Bartholomew’s family.”