Good Ofsted for Cold Ash school

St Finian's Catholic Primary School has been judged as 'good' overall by Ofsted inspectors

ST FINIAN'S School is a good school which is demonstrating good capacity to sustain further development, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The Catholic Primary School in Cold Ash has been judged as ‘good' overall following a recent inspection, with inspectors noting that some aspects of the school are outstanding.

In his report, inspector David Edwards said: “Pupils' good achievement and their outstanding personal development mean that their outcomes are also outstanding and hence value for money is excellent.”

Mr Edwards also praised headteacher Elizabeth Housden, who he said had, supported by senior leaders and governors, effectively addressed the area of weakness identified in 2009 so that teaching throughout the school was now typically good with much that was outstanding.

Consequently, he said, most pupils made good progress in their learning.

Mr Edwards also noted that pupils develop and maintain a very good attitude to learning throughout their time at St Finian's, while he said pupils' behaviour was exemplary.

He added that the new, purpose-built school and extensive grounds were already making a significant contribution to the all-round learning experiences enjoyed by pupils and staff.

To improve further, Mr Edwards said the school must ensure that leaders and managers, at all levels, produce regular and succinct evaluation of their work to help drive and secure improved attainment for all pupils, while he said marking in mathematics should focus closely on what pupils need to do next to improve.

Mrs Housden said the Ofsted team arrived when the school had only been in its new buildings for two weeks, adding that the report rightly recognised the efforts of a hard working, committed team.

She said: “Whilst the timing may not have been perfect, we felt energised by the process and eager to continue to maintain our high aspirations and make the very best of opportunities the new school build and environment offers.”