Aspirational city school praised by inspectors

A school that 'is aspirational for all pupils' has been praised by Ofsted.

Inspectors visited St Michael’s Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery in the autumn and, in their report published recently, found the school has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, when it was judged to be Good.

In her report, Lorraine Lord, lead inspector, said that the school has 'designed an ambitious curriculum' for its pupils which sets out the knowledge and skills they need to know to be successful in school. Teachers have the subject knowledge they need to deliver the curriculum, present new learning well and regularly check on progress.

Pupils enjoy school life at the Merry Hill school, part of St Francis and St Clare Catholic Multi-Academy Company, arriving 'on time and ready to learn each day'. Pupils are well behaved, kind to one another, listen attentively and 'want to do their best'. They also consistently follow the school’s ‘good to be green’ behaviour approach, while older pupils enjoy helping younger pupils play kindly together.

Reading, writing and mathematics are prioritised from the start, and most pupils 'achieve well and meet the high expectations the school sets'. Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are identified swiftly and are given help and support to be successful in school.

Wider opportunities, including trips, visitors and clubs, help pupils broaden their interests, while workshops and visits to museums give them opportunities to be historians. Art and craft, football, fashion and illustration, and gymnastics clubs are popular with pupils, who enjoy learning new skills, and the school ensures that all pupils benefit from this offer.

The school’s personal development offer is a strength, while pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities, with roles as prayer leaders, school councillors and play leaders developing their leadership skills. Older pupils enjoy residentials, which help them to develop independence and teamwork skills.

Executive Principal Adam Jewkes said: “St Michael’s has been through some significant changes over the last couple of years. Alongside colleagues in the St Francis and St Clare Catholic MAC, staff have worked tremendously hard to provide our children with excellent learning opportunities and experiences so that they really enjoy coming to our school.

“I am thrilled that this report acknowledges what a happy, friendly and effective school community we belong to at St Michael’s. I feel incredibly proud of all the staff, children and governing body.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This is a very positive report for St Michael’s Catholic Primary Academy and Nursery which describes a happy, welcoming school which is aspirational for all its children.

“I would like to congratulate Executive Principal Adam Jewkes, Head of School Hayley Connolly and the whole St Michael's school community on their continuing success."

Celebrating their success are pupils with Executive Principal Adam Jewkes and Head of School Hayley Connolly.