Alston Lane Catholic Primary: Ofsted inspectors rate Longridge school as good for the 24th consecutive year

Alston Lane Catholic Primary School was inspected on October 18-19 and retained the good classification it has received in every report available on the Ofsted website, with the first record being in 1998 and the last 2017.

What did Ofsted say was particularly good about Alston Lane?

Pupils are said to “respond well to the high expectations of leaders”, in which they are expected to be “friendly and courteous at all times”, exemplified through their hard work and their positive relationships with one another and staff. They also behave well, do not tolerate any form of discrimination, and “relish” the many pupil leadership roles they can take on.

The curriculum is described as “ambitious and challenging” for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, and “pupils who leave at the end of year six are ready for the challenges of high school”. The report also said that staff are engaged in regular professional training so deliver curriculums “expertly”, whilst governors know the school well and are able to hold leaders to account. Alston is also praised for its “wide range” of extracurricular opportunities, its support for SEND pupils and the focus on reading across the school.

What does Alston Lane need to improve on according to Ofsted?

Inspectors wrote: “In a very small number of subjects, leaders are still refining their curriculum design. As a result, some pupils do not know these curriculums as well as they should. Leaders should ensure that all curriculums...set out the most important things that pupils need to know and remember.”

What does Alston Lane say about their rating?

Headteacher Mark FitzGibbon said: “The staff and governors are delighted that Ofsted recognised the continued high standards and progress made across the school, especially within our exciting and carefully constructed curriculum offer. Alston Lane has always been a wonderfully caring, supportive and high performing school, helping all children to reach their potential. This and the wealth of wider opportunities afforded to the children, which they enthusiastically accept, ensures that children are happy learners, from our youngest two year olds to children in Year 6, well-prepared for secondary school and beyond.”

He added: "I am extremely proud of our school and love coming to work each day, knowing that parents, staff, Governors and children work together to make this a wonderful community to be part of.”