Catholic School Section 48 Inspection

OUTSTANDING

Inspection: 29th - 30th April 2026

We are delighted that we were graded as an outstanding Catholic school during our Section 48 inspection.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School was judged to be Outstanding in all three areas of inspection, with inspectors recognising a school where Christ is truly at the centre of everything. The report praised the school’s strong Catholic leadership, inclusive ethos and deep sense of community.

• “All leaders, including governors, provide outstanding Catholic leadership.”
• “There is a strong sense of community and hospitality.”
• “Everyone is welcomed and valued in this fully inclusive school.”
• The senior leadership team brings “energy, joy, passion and determination.”

Inspectors found that the school’s mission statement, “Following in the footsteps of Jesus,” is clearly lived out by pupils and staff every day through kindness, dignity and care for others. The report repeatedly highlighted the exceptional pastoral support offered to children and families.

• One pupil explained the mission as: “being like Jesus; thinking about what Jesus would do.”
• Pupils feel “safe, loved and well cared for.”
• Behaviour across the school is “exemplary.”
• One parent said: “The support of this school has changed our family’s lives.”

The quality of Religious Education and Collective Worship was also praised highly, with inspectors recognising skilled teaching, joyful prayer and flourishing parish links. The report describes St Joseph’s as a deeply caring Catholic community where faith is lived authentically and celebrated joyfully.

• “Teachers demonstrate a high standard of subject knowledge and teaching expertise.”
• Pupils engage with “enthusiasm” in RE lessons.
• Collective Worship was praised for its “joyful communal singing.”
• Partnerships with parish and families were described as “flourishing.”

Please take time to read our full report which celebrates the amazing children, families and staff at St Joseph's.

Ofsted Inspection 2023

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School remains a Good School

Following our Ofsted inspection in October 2023, we are incredibly proud that St Joseph's continues to be recognised as a Good School.

The report captures what makes our school such a special place for children, families and staff.

Some of Our Favourite Ofsted Quotes!!

"St Joseph's is a school once experienced then never forgotten."

"An oasis of calm in a busy community."

"Once you are part of the school, you are part of the St Joseph's family."

"The pupils sparkle like diamonds with enthusiasm."

"Leaders have the highest aspirations for all pupils."

"Behaviour... is highly positive."

"The staff know and meet the needs of pupils."

"The level of care and compassion that senior leaders offer to staff is greatly appreciated."

 

A School That Leaves a Lasting Impression

Ofsted began their report with words that perfectly reflect our school community:

"St Joseph's is a school once experienced then never forgotten."

Inspectors recognised our caring, family atmosphere, describing St Joseph's as:

"An oasis of calm in a busy community."

They noted that:

"Once you are part of the school, you are part of the St Joseph's family."

 

Exceptional Children

The report celebrates our pupils, describing them as:

"Sparkling like diamonds with enthusiasm."

Inspectors found our children to be:

• Polite, curious and open-minded
• Happy and enthusiastic learners
• Excellent role models around school
• Proud representatives of St Joseph's

Behaviour throughout the school was praised as highly positive, with pupils showing excellent attitudes to learning.

High Expectations for Every Child

Ofsted recognised that:

• Leaders have the highest aspirations for every pupil.
• Staff know every child well and meet their individual needs.
• All pupils, including those with SEND, access a broad and balanced curriculum.
• Children are encouraged to achieve their very best academically and personally.

Excellent Teaching and Learning

Inspectors praised the quality of teaching across the school.

Highlights included:

• Well-planned lessons that capture pupils' interest.
• A curriculum built around important "sticky knowledge" that children remember and apply.
• Thought-provoking classroom discussions.
• High-quality feedback that helps children improve.
• Strong teaching in reading, mathematics and history.

A Love of Reading

Reading was recognised as one of the school's strengths.

Inspectors noted that:

• Staff and pupils genuinely enjoy reading together.
• Early readers receive effective support.
• Teachers model reading throughout school.
• Children read aloud confidently and with enthusiasm.

A Rich Curriculum Beyond the Classroom

Ofsted praised the wide range of opportunities available to pupils beyond lessons.

Children benefit from:

• A wide range of clubs
• Educational visits
• Sporting opportunities
• Creative projects
• Charity work
• Working with local businesses
• Designing and racing an eco-friendly Greenpower car

Inspectors noted that pupils are proud to represent the school in these activities.

Outstanding Care and Support

One of the strongest messages throughout the report is the care shown across our school community.

Inspectors recognised that:

• Staff know children exceptionally well.
• Children feel safe, happy and supported.
• The Early Years provides a nurturing and stimulating environment.
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective.
• Staff work tirelessly to ensure every child succeeds.

A School That Invests in its Staff

Ofsted highlighted the positive culture within the school, stating that:

"The level of care and compassion that senior leaders offer to staff is greatly appreciated."

Inspectors recognised the strong relationships between leaders, staff and governors, all working together to achieve the very best for our children.

Looking Ahead

The inspection recognised that St Joseph's has continued to develop since its previous inspection. The only area identified for further development was to continue embedding the curriculum in a small number of foundation subjects, building on the strong practice already established across the school.

Click on the links below to open our latest Ofsted and RE (Section 48) Inspection Reports:

2018 RE Inspection (Section 48)

• "St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Hunslet, is a highly effective school in providing and retaining an outstanding standard of Catholic Education for all pupils."
• Pupil behaviour is outstanding because almost all pupils are interested in, visibly enjoy and actively participate in the outstanding Catholic Life, Religious Education and Collective Worship opportunities which St. Joseph’s School provides. St Joseph’s is a very welcoming, inclusive school with a strong Catholic ethos and family feeling of belonging. It enjoys celebrating the cultural diversity and successes of all the pupils whom it serves.