St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
Reception - Small School, Big Start
Reception at St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
A small school where every child is known, included and supported to become a confident reader.
Starting school is a huge milestone — for your child and for you.
You want somewhere your child will feel safe, happy and valued. Somewhere they will be known as an individual. Somewhere they will make friends, develop confidence and build the foundations for a successful education.
At St Bernadette's, that's exactly what we aim to provide.
With just 15 children in our Reception class, your child gets the advantages of a small, close-knit school community alongside strong teaching and high expectations.
Why choose St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School?
📖 Strong foundations in reading
Learning to read is one of the most important things your child will do at primary school.
Our strong phonics and early reading approach gives children the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to get off to a great start.
From their very first sounds and words, we help children develop a love of books and reading.
❤️ A school where your child is known
In a small school, children don't disappear into the crowd.
Our staff get to know children's personalities, interests, strengths and individual needs. Families become part of a close-knit school community, and children quickly develop a sense of belonging.
Here, your child isn't just another name on a register.
🤝 A place where every child belongs
Every child is different — and that's something we celebrate.
Our strong inclusive approach means we work closely with children and families to understand individual needs and remove barriers to learning.
We want every child to feel: “I belong here.”
🌱 Growing confidence
Reception isn't just about learning letters and numbers.
It's about becoming independent.
Making friends.
Trying something new.
Asking questions.
Solving problems.
Discovering what you're good at.
And beginning to believe: “I can do this.”
Come and see us
Choosing a school is a big decision.
So don't just take our word for it.
Come and experience St Bernadette's for yourself.
Meet our Reception team.
See our classrooms.
Look at our children's work.
Find out how we teach phonics.
Ask us your questions.
And, most importantly, get a feel for what our school is like.
What does Reception look like?
A typical day might include:
📖 Phonics and early reading
Building the foundations for confident reading.
🧩 Learning through play
Developing language, independence, creativity and problem-solving.
🌳 Exploring
Learning through practical and outdoor experiences.
📚 Stories and books
Building vocabulary, imagination and a love of reading.
🎨 Creating
Expressing ideas and developing new skills.
👫 Making friends
Learning how to work, play and communicate with others.
Every day brings something new.
What parents say ...
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Ready to take the next step?
Small school. Big start.
If you're looking for a Reception place in Brownhills, we'd love to meet you.