Saint Gregory's Roman Catholic Primary School

I have two children at the school and I just wanted to say I am very happy so far. We have had only positive experiences at St Gregory’s.

I believe my children are receiving a very good standard of education and a key element is the ‘community feeling’ around the school - it is great. I am glad I have had first hand experience getting involved as a helper/volunteer inside the school. So far, what I’ve seen has only impressed me.

As for the new Head, she quickly reacted to the lack of books the school had, something I felt strongly about. In fact her efforts across the board are very passionate and professional. I feel very lucky to have her there inspiring our children. Like many I was a bit dissapointed to read the recent report - and although it may be not have been outstanding - from what I’ve seen firsthand the school has taken big steps forward. The biggest steps have come in the last 2 years she has been there. And I’ve had children there for 5 years now. Would I recommend St Gregory’s to people - yes, it has a good balance of academic tuition. and community spirit.

I have two children currently at St Gregory's school in year 1 and year 3. They are thriving there, both academically and socially. It is disappointing that the recent Ofsted has returned the 'requires improvement' result, as this headline distracts from what a good environment this school provides for children in the area.

The new head is excellent and I truly believe she will turn the school around given the changes she has put in place and is continuing to work on. She is very present and is often at the school gate in the morning to welcome children and parents, and is open to feedback.

The communication between the school and parents is regular and transparent. The teachers are caring, nurturing and incredibly hard working.

If you are in the catchment for the school but are unsure whether to apply, I would urge you to visit it and see for yourself. The school and grounds are very spacious, and it is always a welcoming place, the children are polite, courteous, well behaved and very proud of their school.

I am a current parent at St Gregory’s who is now in my ninth year with the school. I have two children who currently attend St Gregory’s (in years 1 and 5) and one child who left to start high school in September 2018 so I have had experience of the school under both the current and previous head teacher.

All my children have been very happy, well cared for and supported throughout their time at St Gregory’s. It is a caring, inclusive environment which values not only academic progress and ensuring the children achieve their best, but also in helping to shape them into kind, polite, confident, Christian pupils and happy learners who are well placed to continue their journey into high school.

The teaching is very good and, as parents, we are supremely lucky to have an experienced and dedicated new headteacher who is still in the process of positively transforming the school.

If you are considering the school for your child, please don’t decide on whether it is the most suitable for your family based on my review or the review of anyone else. I would urge you to visit on an open day to meet the pupils and staff and view the grounds and facilities to see for yourself.

Our children all went to this school in the 90's and it was very good. However what I have seen and heard from several parents, who were once former students, about it now is shocking. Do not send your children to this school. The teaching is shocking, homework isn't given, teachers are awful but can't blame them when there's an absolute atrocious Head. It's a shame and sad to see what is happening there and what's more shocking is that the Church ignores it all! I hope the higher authorities in education take action as I feel sorry for the children, although the ones with parents who have some influence in the school are fine as they're get the good teachers, others are doomed! Wish there was no star or minus stars as that would be more appropriate.

What a fantastic school! I have a child in year three and she is thriving. We have had an excellent experience so far, and would highly recommend sending your child to St Gregory's.

I am a parent of three children that attend St Gregory’s School and they are very happy. They have always had wonderful and inspiring teachers and are receiving a great and exciting education. All the children at St Gregory’s are polite, kind and courteous and have the upmost respect for their parents and teachers.

The school has a huge amount of outdoor space and these beautiful grounds are used by children at break time and for sport. There are lots of sport and music extra curricula activities available. Plus there are also opportunities for children to be part of quiz clubs, the choir and various sports teams.

Our headteacher, Mrs Kolanowska, has been a breath of fresh air to the school. She has made many positive changes to the school over the past two years and she is very approachable - her door is always open. She attends the PTA meetings and is absolutely dedicated to supporting the parents, her staff and pupils.

A quote from my child ‘I really like the teachers best at St Gregory’s as they are fun and we get to do lots of exciting projects. My highlight, so far, was representing the school in the National Quiz Club Contest where we got through to the quarter finals!’.

The School community is warm and friendly with organised events throughout the year. The uniform is extremely smart and our children can easily be identified with their red school hats.

There are challenges in every school but it saddens me to read reviews on here from people that aren’t involved in our school and base their opinions on rumours. I welcome you to come to Abbey mass on Friday and see our exceptionally well behaved children which will always well my heart with pride and joy.

This school is atrocious, I don't even think it understands the meaning of what a school should be. The educators do NOT encourage children at this school instead they discourage the children, leaving the children with complexes and very low self esteem. The head teacher needs to be thoroughly investigated as I honestly don't believe she has had any adequate teacher training I refuse to believe she holds a teaching degree of any kind. As, she greatly lacks most things has no professional manner, has no filter and incredibly demeaning and condescending. Building upon this, she is noticeably prejudice as many non white children have been treated unfairly and this is despicable especially being a multicultural school.
St Gregory's has failed children academically particularly those from low socio economical backgrounds. It is prevelant that school focuses on children who come from affluent backgrounds as those children are given more ecoragement and positive reinforcement.
I would not recommend this school to any parent looking for primary schools it is not worth it, Please don't let the Ofsted reports fool you because this school is appalling.

St. Gregory's school has a happy, welcoming environment and our doors are open to all. We aim to work in close partnership with all of our families and are keen to address concerns arising in a supportive, open manner. We nurture positive relations with our parents based on integrity and transparency. Sometimes, as professionals, we have to share difficult messages leading to differences in opinion which are not easy to resolve. The parent survey outcomes on our website speak for us.
Margaret Kolanowska
Headteacher