St. Francis Catholic Primary School has been rated ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ leadership for Catholic life and mission and Collective Worship by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate following its most recent review.

The Nailsea school, which is part of the Cardinal Newman Catholic Education Trust, was praised in the CSI’s most recent report which said that ‘relationships are a real strength’ in the classroom and ‘behaviour and attitudes to learning are good’.

CSI lead inspector Dawn Summers Breeze said in her report: “Relationships are a strength of the school resulting in staff and pupils having a strong sense of belonging.

“This leads to a culture of welcome across the school, where all are valued.

“Providing food for families in need and reaching out to refugee families arriving in the area are examples of how the school goes the extra mile to support the most vulnerable locally.”

“The school is a wonderfully stimulating Catholic environment with high quality displays including pupils’ work, for example, on pupil achievements, Catholic social teaching and school values.”

Because of the environment cultivated around St. Francis, they have also been praised for their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities program which aims to remove any and all barriers to learning that their children may experience.

During the inspection, inspectors noted: “Pupils are engaged and show clear enjoyment in most lessons.

“They are enthusiastic and value religious education… Some SEND pupils are making accelerated progress due to the support they receive.”

“There is a strong sense of community where all look after each other and value the support they receive, and the staff are good role models.”

The CSI report follows results last year that ranked the reception to year six school as second in the country for Key Stage 2 results.

Executive Principal Samantha Land said: “We are so proud that St. Francis has been recognised for our strong culture of welcome and support at every level. 

“Our staff and pupils certainly live out our mission statement working together in Christ, putting excellence at the centre of all we do, each and every day. 

“We are fully supported in this by our wonderful parents and carers.”

North Somerset Times: St. Francis pupils were challenged to walk, scoot, or cycle to cycle over a fortnightSt. Francis pupils were challenged to walk, scoot, or cycle to cycle over a fortnight (Image: St. Francis school)As if to celebrate the result of the glowing report the school has also recently completed this year’s Big Walk and Wheel, an annual scheme which challenges pupils to walk, run, scoot, or cycle to school.

The aim of the scheme, which started on March 11th and ran for a fortnight, is to encourage physical activity for the pupils, help improve alertness in class and help reduce traffic outside the school gates.

Ms. Ellams, Head of School at St Francis, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many families embracing this challenge.

“This links to the work we are doing in school to care for our world, and what a wonderful way to start the day for the children and their families!”

Toby, age 6 and a student at St Francis School, also added: “I love scooting and it really woke up my brain for school!”