We are delighted to share that St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School has been judged OUTSTANDING in every area of our recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI) inspection.

1. Exceptional Leadership and Governance

Leadership at all levels — school, Trust, and diocesan — is commended for its clarity of vision, rigorous monitoring, and consistent prioritisation of the Catholic mission. Governors provide strong strategic challenge and ensure high-quality provision across the school. Staff speak positively about working at St Polycarp’s and exemplify the school’s Catholic ethos each day. 

2. Exemplary Religious Education (RE)

Pupil outcomes in RE are excellent across most year groups due to strong subject knowledge, enriching lessons, and exceptional religious literacy. Children confidently link scripture, prior learning, and real life. The report praises the high-quality planning, inclusive provision for pupils with SEND, and calm, reflective RE environment valued by pupils. 

3. Outstanding Catholic Life and Mission

Inspectors highlighted that St Polycarp’s is “a deeply inclusive school where all pupils are highly valued, known and loved,” with a strong sense of belonging and a mission lived out daily: “We play, pray, love and learn together.” Pastoral care, kindness, and respect are described as the beating heart of school life.

4. A Community Rooted in Faith, Service and Flourishing

The report recognises the school’s thriving partnership with families and the parish, its commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, and pupils’ enthusiasm for serving others. Children feel safe, valued, and able to grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally within an environment intentionally crafted for their flourishing. 

5. Inspirational Collective Worship

Collective worship is described as an “embedded and highly valued feature of school life.” Pupils participate reverently and confidently, with strong knowledge of the liturgical year and opportunities for reflection, singing, prayer, and student-led liturgy. Worship is creative, inclusive, and spiritually nourishing for all pupils

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You can download the full inspection report below.