Inspectors visited St Patrick’s Catholic Primary Academy in Wednesfield and found that the 'dedication shown by all' to improve the school has ensured that pupils now receive a high quality education.
In their report, they describe a ‘can do’ culture at the school and expectations of what can be achieved that are ‘without limits’.
A 'strong and highly effective partnership' between school and leaders from St Francis & St Clare Multi Academy Trust has enabled 'sustained and considerable improvement' to the quality of education at the school.
There is a completely new curriculum in place, with learning sequences designed to include knowledge that is linked to the local area and needs of the pupils, and clear knowledge endpoints that the school want pupils to learn with knowledge building progressively over time.
Staff are trained with the skills needed to deliver it effectively, and use ‘reactivate’ prior learning at the start of each a new lesson to assess what pupils have remembered.
Children in the early years get off to a strong start, with the development of their communication and language skills a high priority. The school successfully achieves this by linking the curriculum to the interests and needs of the children. Reading is also a high priority, with the school providing extensive reading materials that excite the imagination.
Pupils with SEND are increasingly well supported, with learning adapted to support them to access the same curriculum as their peers and plans in place to remove barriers to learning.
There was also praise for pupils, who 'behave well and know that being kind is the most important thing to be' and see their responsibility in making their school a nice place to be. Pupils know the importance of being tolerant and active citizens and understand that being different is to be celebrated. They also help others by raising money for local families in need and know how to keep themselves safe online and in the real world.
Inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of St Patrick's to be Good, with each inspection area – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision – also rated Good.
Principal Sophia Mulrooney said: "Since I joined the school 4 years ago, we've 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 success of St Patrick's means that all schools in the St Francis & St Clare Multi Academy Trust are now rated either Good or Outstanding and 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, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, 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."
Latest figures show 92% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding, above the regional and national average. In addition, more than 9 in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.
