A CARLISLE primary school has been placed in special measures by Ofsted due to a 'decline in the quality of education'.

Since September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement following inspections of state-funded schools.

However, following the education watchdog's inspection of St Margaret Mary Catholic Primary School on Carlisle's Kirklands Road, Ofsted found that the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were all 'inadequate'.

These judgements led to the school, which is one of 16 that forms part of the Mater Christ Multi Academy Trust, being placed in special measures.

The same inspection, that took place on Tuesday, October 8, also concluded that the school's behaviour and attitudes, and personal development were 'good', whilst safeguarding was effective.

In the subsequent report, Ofsted detailed where the school needs to improve and was frank in its assessment of the way that the primary school and the wider academy trust had allowed education standards to fall in a way that 'jeopardises the future' of its pupils.

They said: "In most subjects, the school has not put in place a curriculum which sets out the important knowledge that pupils should learn.

"This prevents teachers from knowing what they should teach and when this should happen.

"The school has not ensured that teachers have had the training to develop their subject knowledge and expertise.

"The trust and the school have failed to identify the decline in the quality of education. A culture of low ambition has become embedded.

"Those responsible for governance have not challenged the school or held it to account for the quality of its provision. As a result, pupils’ experiences do not prepare them well for the future."

After the scathing review from Ofsted, Jacky Kennedy, chief executive officer of the Mater Christi Multi Academy Trust, expressed her disappointment at the inspection's findings and made a commitment to improving standards at the Carlisle primary school.

She said: "This is a very disappointing result for the school and our community.

"The inspectors were very clear about what we need to do to reverse the changes that were made and rapid work has already begun.

"We know that this school has the potential to achieve great things, and we are fully committed to working closely with the school to ensure improvement for the benefit of every child and family."

In the same report, the education watchdog outlined what it is like to attend the school, saying that pupils are 'happy' and highlighted where the school is performing well.

They said: "Pupils are happy and enjoy attending school. They told inspectors that it is like being part of one big family where everyone is welcome."

"The school has a well-thought-out programme to support pupils’ personal development. Pupils learn about well-being and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"They have a firm understanding of respect and tolerance."