Pupils praised for ‘outstanding’ behaviour
Pupils at the school where Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson OBE and TV personality Chris Kamara MBE were once classmates are celebrating after Ofsted said their behaviour was “outstanding”.
Inspectors judged St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Park End to be good in all other areas and gave them top marks in the “behaviour and attitudes” category.
“Pupils behave exceptionally well,” the report said. “They are polite and considerate towards staff and each other. Staff encourage working collaboratively. Pupils support each other with their behaviour and their learning.
“Many pupils enjoy earning rewards for positive behaviours. Staff model how they want pupils to behave. They make sure that pupils behave consistently well.
“The few pupils who struggle to manage their emotions receive excellent support so that they can participate fully in all school activities.
“Leaders ensure that pupils contribute to the life of the school and the wider community. “Older pupils understand the importance of being ‘Eco Warriors’ and enjoy the opportunity to plant fruit trees and recycle plastic. They appreciate playing with younger children in their roles as peer mediators and play leaders.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary … There is a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school.”
Executive headteacher Anna McClurey said she was “incredibly proud” that the report highlights exemplary behaviour, as well as illustrating the school’s ambition for all pupils.
She said: “The newly adopted curriculum provides academic rigour alongside the many enrichment opportunities for the pupils. The inspection team praised the curriculum and the work of leaders and staff on developing the curriculum and improving learning.
“I am delighted they recognised the dedication of leaders and staff, from acting as models of how they want pupils to behave, to the determination that all pupils gain the knowledge they need for future success.
“At St Pius X, we are resolute in our determination that all pupils will achieve the ambitious goals we set for them, and staff are diligent in checking pupils’ understanding and ensuring an inclusive curriculum, where all succeed.
“Parents have been hugely supportive of the school and the expectations we have for the pupils, and we would not have achieved such a fantastic report without their support.
“The pupils are a credit to St Pius X, their families and the local community and we are pleased the report reflects our exceptional school.”
Nick Bennett, head of school, said the report is a fantastic validation of St Pius X’s self-evaluation and improvement work to date.
He added: “The children of St Pius have always been our strongest asset – they are keen to learn and are keen to show our ARC (Aspiration, Resilience & Collaboration) values in all they do.
“To have their behaviour and attitudes graded as outstanding is a wonderful recognition of this and the calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school.
“We have continued to prioritise the teaching of reading as we recognise this is the gateway to the world of work, and to have our provision for phonics and reading commented upon so favourably is a real boon.”
Pupils told inspectors they enjoy the clubs and experiences on offer, including visits to Blue Reef Aquarium, Guisborough Woods, Robinwood residential, Forbidden Corner and the local cenotaph.
There was also praise in the report for the contribution of governors and for safeguarding at the 232-pupil school, which is on Amersham Road.
Trust CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to make St Pius the wonderful school it is.
“I know Mrs McClurey and all the staff are thrilled that Ofsted has acknowledged their efforts in this way, and I’m sure both parents and pupils will be even more proud of their school and community.
“Trust director and former St Pius X executive leader Carol Walker also deserves great credit for her role in transitioning expectations and supporting NPCAT’s central teams.
“We continue to deliver significant impact in our magnificent family of Catholic primary schools, and that’s why places are so keenly sought after by parents who are impressed by the nurturing and ambitious climate for learning.”
