FACILITIES

The school is set in pleasant, spacious grounds that include a large play yard, extensive sports fields, and well-designed outdoor learning areas. The present building, opened as St. Catherine’s R.C. Primary in 1972, offers large, well-equipped classrooms that provide bright and engaging learning environments for all pupils. In addition to the main teaching spaces, the school benefits from a small hall that is used for a variety of activities, including wraparound care such as the Breakfast and After School Club, as well as small group learning sessions. The school also features a magical Harry Potter-themed library, designed to inspire a love of reading and imagination, and a separate dining hall that provides a welcoming and social space for lunchtimes. The school meals are cooked on the premises daily. Together, these facilities create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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The school benefited from the addition of a new Sports Hall and Arts and Music Studio in June 2003. These facilities have strengthened community links and enhanced opportunities for pupils to engage in sport, music, and the arts. The Sports Hall is used throughout the school day for PE lessons and serves as a venue for special events such as school Masses, ‘Stay and Pray’ sessions, and performances. It is also available for private lettings, further reinforcing the school’s connection with the wider community. The stage area within the hall provides an excellent space for school productions and assemblies, fostering creativity and confidence among pupils. The former Art Studio has since been repurposed as a Learning Hub, providing a supportive environment for small group work and targeted interventions to help pupils achieve their full potential.

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In 2023, the school introduced a sensory room and learning hub to support children who struggle to engage and complete learning in the classroom for the full lesson. The sensory room provides a calm, safe, and structured environment where pupils with SEND, including those with SEMH needs, can regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and refocus before returning to learning. This space supports the development of self-regulation and coping strategies, helping children to manage sensory overload, frustration, or emotional distress. As a result, pupils are better able to re-engage with classroom activities, improve their concentration and emotional wellbeing, and build confidence in their ability to succeed within the school environment.

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The Early Years outdoor area, newly developed in Summer 2025, provides a rich and stimulating environment designed to promote children’s physical development and strengthen their gross motor skills. The space includes climbing equipment, balance beams, bikes, scooters, and open areas for running and active play, encouraging children to develop coordination, balance, and core strength. Natural features such as sand, water, and mud play areas offer opportunities for digging, pouring, and building, supporting both fine and gross motor control through hands-on exploration. The layout allows for free movement and risk-taking in a safe, supervised setting, helping children build confidence, resilience, and independence. Through daily access to this engaging outdoor provision, pupils develop essential physical and social skills that lay strong foundations for future learning and wellbeing.