St Clement's School Runcorn rated good by Ofsted

The inspection took place on March 4 and 5, 2025, and the school was previously judged as good for overall effectiveness before September 2024.

The recent inspection confirmed that the school has taken effective action to uphold these standards.

Pupils at St Clement’s feel safe and happy, with many expressing trust in the adults at the school.

Staff take time to understand both the students and their families, creating a nurturing environment.

The school has high expectations for academic success and behaviour, and pupils generally meet these expectations.

They behave well and show respect to staff and each other.

After-school clubs are popular among students, offering a variety of activities such as choir, table tennis, and computing.

Older pupils often take on responsibilities, contributing positively to the school community.

For example, the student council played a role in designing a new lunch menu, while playground leaders assist younger pupils by organising games.

The school also provides exciting learning opportunities, including virtual reality experiences where older pupils have explored the Great Pyramid of Giza and the International Space Station.

The curriculum at St Clement’s is ambitious and well-structured, aiming to develop curious and confident learners.

However, the inspection noted that some pupils have gaps in their learning due to previous curriculum weaknesses.

The report stated that these gaps are not always identified or addressed quickly enough, which can hinder older pupils' ability to build new knowledge.

The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils study the same subjects as their classmates, with teachers making necessary adaptations to support their learning.

Reading is a priority at St Clement’s, with staff actively promoting a love of reading from early years.

Classrooms are equipped with inviting book corners, and older pupils regularly visit the local library’s ‘book bus’ to select new books.

The school’s governors are committed to supporting the school and its community.

They provide effective oversight and challenge, ensuring that the school addresses key issues for improvement.

Staff members feel valued and appreciate the support they receive for their well-being and workload management.

Overall, St Clement’s Catholic Primary School continues to foster a positive learning environment for its pupils, preparing them well for their future.