We are an outstanding village school where every child is known, grows in character, and goes beyond — with wraparound care from 7:30am to 6pm.
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Ofsted & Inspections
Through Ofsted and SIAMS inspections, our school is recognised for its commitment to high standards and strong values.
Please find below our most recent Ofsted and SIAMS report.
Outstanding Education for Every Child
At Hoddlesden St Paul’s CE Primary and Pre School, we pride ourselves on being a school where every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Our recent Outstanding Ofsted inspection (December 2024) is a testament to the exceptional educational experience we provide across all areas, including:
- Quality of Education: An innovative and ambitious curriculum designed to ensure academic success and personal growth.
- Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils consistently demonstrate respect, resilience, and impeccable behaviour, creating a positive and inclusive school environment.
- Personal Development: A broad range of extracurricular activities and community projects enrich pupils’ experiences, fostering well-rounded, confident individuals.
- Leadership and Management: Passionate, dedicated leaders and staff ensure that high standards are maintained and continually exceeded.
- Early Years Provision: A nurturing and dynamic environment where our youngest learners thrive and develop a love for learning.
Why Choose Hoddlesden St Paul’s?
Our school is a vibrant community where:
- Pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility are at the heart of everything we do.
- Dedicated teachers and support staff are committed to delivering world-class education.
- Every child is encouraged to become a ‘Hoddlesden Hero,’ striving for excellence in all they do.
A Curriculum Beyond the Classroom
At Hoddlesden St Paul’s, learning extends far beyond traditional subjects. Pupils explore their interests and develop new skills through:
- Specialist lessons in areas such as French, 3D printing, and music.
- Inspirational visits and virtual experiences, including workshops with professionals from various industries.
- Opportunities to lead community events, raise money for charities, and connect with diverse cultures and perspectives.
SIAMS Church School Inspection Report June 2018
2018 Hoddlesden St Paul’s CE Primary School SIAMS final.pdf
The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Hoddlesden St Paul’s as a Church of England school are outstanding
The school is seen as a Christian family by parents, children, staff and governors. They are strongly committed to the distinctively Christian ethos and the Christian values which guide all aspect of school life.
The headteacher’s strong Christian vision and leadership provide a cornerstone for the success and excellence of the school. As a result, pupils make very good progress both academically and spiritually.
The pupils’ excellent behaviour and attitudes to life and learning are strongly influenced by the positive contribution of core Christian values which permeate the entire the curriculum.
RE teaching is of a very high standard and a highly appropriate balance of the study of Christianity and other world faiths is very successfully achieved. Consequently, pupils have excellent understanding of other faiths, beliefs, practises and value systems.
Collective worship is firmly rooted in Christian values. There is a clearly understood message that this time of the school day is of central importance and significance in the life of the school and its pupils.
Inspection recognises strong Christian vision, inclusive culture and commitment to helping every child flourish
Hoddlesden St Paul’s Church of England VA Primary School is delighted to celebrate the outcome of its recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), which recognised the school as living up to its foundation as a Church school and enabling both pupils and adults to flourish.
The inspection highlighted the significant impact of the school’s Christian vision, “As God’s Family, together we achieve” (Romans 12:5), noting that it is clearly understood across the whole school community and shapes everyday life, decision-making and relationships.
SIAMS inspections evaluate how effectively a Church school’s Christian vision and values support the flourishing of pupils, staff and the wider community. Inspectors consider areas including leadership, collective worship, religious education, spirituality, wellbeing and community engagement.
Inspectors praised Hoddlesden St Paul’s as an “oasis of calm and care” within the village community, recognising the school’s strong culture of inclusion and commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed.
The report highlighted how pupils are embraced as unique individuals and how the school’s carefully designed curriculum enables children to develop their gifts and talents. Particular recognition was given to the school’s support for vulnerable pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that barriers to learning are reduced and opportunities are available for all.
Collective worship was identified as a particular strength, with inspectors noting its central role in school life. Pupils actively contribute to planning, leading and evaluating worship, while dedicated prayer spaces and spirituality opportunities help children reflect, grow and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.
The school’s Religious Education curriculum was also commended for its high quality, with leaders recognised for investing time, expertise and resources to ensure learning is engaging, enriching and relevant to pupils’ lives.
Headteacher Christopher Dugdale said:
“We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects who we are as a school community every day. The inspection recognised the warmth, care and sense of belonging that exists throughout our school. Most importantly, it celebrates the way our Christian vision shapes opportunities for every child to flourish academically, spiritually and personally.
“This achievement belongs to our pupils, staff, governors, families, parish partners and wider community, all of whom contribute to making Hoddlesden St Paul’s such a special place to learn and grow.”
Chair of Governors Claire Warner said:
“The report affirms the dedication and commitment shown by our staff and leaders, as well as the positive relationships that exist across our whole school family. Governors are delighted that the inspection recognised the impact of our Christian vision and the inclusive culture that helps every member of our community feel valued.”
One pupil said:
“Our school feels like a family because everyone helps each other. We learn about kindness, respect and how we can make a difference to other people.”
The report also recognised the strong partnerships between the school, families, parish church and wider community, highlighting opportunities for pupils to develop responsibility, serve others and understand the importance of compassion and justice.