Celebrating Our Faith

Section 48 Inspection

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.

Our 2018 Section 48 inspection praised St Joseph’s children for their engagement in Religious Education, understanding of our virtues, and growth in faith, confidence, and care for others.

• "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.