St Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School
St Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School

Inspections

Ofsted Inspection

Our school was last inspected by Ofsted in October 2022, when we were delighted to be rated as Good for overall effectiveness.

Some comments from the report include:

  • Pupils say that they can grow up to be anything they want to be. Their resilience, ambition and high expectations shine through.

  • Leaders ensure that all pupils have access to a range of enrichment opportunities. From becoming ‘Mini Vinnies’, who show the caring, charitable nature of St Vincent de Paul, to visiting the local library and going on to trips to France, there is plenty on offer for all. Many pupils enjoy these opportunities. This is a school where leaders say they achieve ‘small things with great love.

  • Pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around school is excellent. Pupils and staff say that all pupils try their very best, all the time. They understand difference, and it is clear that everybody in school treats everyone else with respect. Pupils consistently model the school’s values.

  • The new leadership team, led by a headteacher with a strong vision and a focus on improvement, has brought about a great deal of change. Parents are pleased with these improvements … Leaders are developing the curriculum well. In some subjects, they have clearly identified what pupils should learn. This content has been clearly and logically sequenced.

  • Bullying very rarely happens. If it does, leaders quickly ensure that it stops. Pupils behave incredibly well in lessons and around school. They model the school’s values and positive attitudes to learning. Pupils say that they feel listened to.

  • Leaders quickly identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND. They are ambitious for these pupils and ensure that there is no barrier to their success.

  • Leaders prioritise safeguarding. They ensure that all staff receive regular training. All staff understand and use the agreed systems and processes.

You can read the full report below:

Ofsted

Parent View

You can now share your views on our school via Ofsted’s Parent View website. By sharing your views, Ofsted hopes you’ll be helping the school to improve. You will also be able to see what other parents have said about us.

Ofsted Parent View

Catholic Schools (RE) Inspection

Our most recent CSI Inspection was conducted in January 2025.  We are delighted to have been judged outstanding in all nine areas.

Some comments from the report include:

  • Pupils and staff proactively enact Catholic social teaching principles to positively contribute to local, national, and global communities. The whole school embraces opportunities to ‘live, love, and work together’.
  • The headteacher and deputy headteacher articulate an inspiring vision for Catholic education. They are experts in living out the Church’s mission to make Christ known to all.
  • Teachers’ religious education subject knowledge is exceptional. They impart it confidently and authoritatively, so pupils know and remember more.
  • Behaviour throughout the school, including in religious education lessons, is outstanding. Staff consider the subject highly prestigious and skilfully deploy teaching strategies that contribute significantly to pupils’ enjoyment of learning and high outcomes.
  • Pupils show deep reverence when praying. This is demonstrated in their thoughtful responses and exceptionally joyful signing.

You can read the full report below:

Other Inspections