St Mary's CofE Primary School

Overview

St Mary’s C of E Primary School is described as a “vibrant and happy school” that nurtures pupils into “independent and resilient learners.” The inspection confirms the school remains good, highlighting a curriculum designed to create “memorable moments” and a culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and well-supported.

Strengths

• The curriculum provides “exciting learning experiences,” such as forest schools and visits from airline pilots, helping pupils connect learning to “real-world concepts.”
• Staff know pupils “extremely well,” providing “precise support” for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to become “happy and confident learners.”
• Reading is prioritised from Reception, with “well-selected texts” providing context for topics and additional support ensuring most pupils read with “fluency and confidence.”
• Behaviour is excellent, with clear routines like “legendary lining-up” creating a “serene place to learn,” while bullying is “very rare” due to effective staff intervention.
• Pupils enjoy plentiful leadership opportunities, such as the “Buddy Bench,” and assemblies celebrate achievements through rewards like the “Golden Merit.”

Areas to improve

• Teachers do not always check pupil understanding before moving to new concepts, meaning “gaps in pupils’ knowledge are not always addressed.”
• The school must ensure staff receive training to “identify and address any gaps in learning” so all pupils can achieve well across the full curriculum.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”