A school where behaviour and attitudes have been branded 'exceptional' might be rated as outstanding if a full inspection was held today, Ofsted says.

Inspectors who visited for an ungraded inspection described Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Thornaby as “positive and welcoming” and that pupils feel “happy and safe”.

They said: “The evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might be outstanding if a graded inspection were carried out now.

“Behaviour and attitudes to learning are exceptional. Pupils take care of one another and their school community with pride.

“Pupil groups, such as sports leaders and eco-warriors, plan purposeful opportunities to help and enhance the whole school community.

The Northern Echo: Pupils at Christ the King Catholic Primary School in ThornabyPupils at Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Thornaby (Image: Christ the King Catholic Primary School)

“Leaders have developed an ambitious and well-connected curriculum. It carefully sets out what pupils need to know and remember over time. Well-chosen and purposeful learning activities bring the curriculum to life.

The report added: “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported to work alongside their peers. Careful adaptations and resources help pupils with SEND learn in the classroom. The school makes sure these pupils get additional support from other professionals when needed.

“High expectations for behaviour start in early years. Routines are clear. Children access their learning with a sustained focus in this part of the school. This continues for older pupils. Pupils in Key Stage 1 and 2 behave impeccably well.”

Executive headteacher Mark Ryan said the report reflects the school’s many strengths and how well they prepare children for their next stages in life, both academically and socially.

“This is wonderful news for the school community and is a clear reflection of all the hard work from the pupils, parents, carers, staff and governors,” he said.

“Christ the King is a hidden jewel in Thornaby and there are many comments in the inspection report that parents and carers will be rightly proud and pleased to read.

The Northern Echo: Pupils at the Thornaby school celebratePupils at the Thornaby school celebrate (Image: SCHOOL)

“We are very grateful for the benefits that come with being part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust and the support we receive.” 

Head of school Helen Lickess added: “There are no recommendations or areas for improvement from Ofsted.

"However, we want to continue to improve and we will work hard collectively with our parents, carers and pupils to do so.

“This report identifies how well-behaved our pupils are, how well they do in lessons and the work we carry out within our community.

“We are delighted for the pupils, parents, carers, teachers and governors. They have every right to be proud of their school.”

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Christ the King is one of 38 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York, that make up the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust.

CEO of the Trust, Hugh Hegarty, said: “I’m so pleased for the leadership team, staff and governors of Christ the King, who I know work so hard every day to make the school such a special place.

“The report is yet more evidence of the high standards we set across all our schools. We are all determined to continue raising standards even further to make sure all our children benefit from the very best in Catholic education.”

The school retains its overall judgement as good and its next visit from Ofsted will be a graded inspection.