Marsden Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 January 2022

Pupils are proud of their school. They describe things they like about it with enthusiasm. They explain how harvested food from the allotment is cooked in the kitchen. This includes eggs from the six hens that older pupils look after. They also look after the guinea pigs they have named - Harry and Ron. Pupils care about the environment as 'earth ambassadors'. They know about the damage caused by climate change, pollution and litter. The school has systems in place to support pupils' good behaviour. Pupils are polite and respectful to each other and to staff. Pupils say bullying hardly ever happens. They know staff will deal with any misbehaviour quickly and fairly. Recognition boards record the names of pupils displaying good attitudes to learning. This is when pupils try hard, join in and put up their hand to answer questions. Pupils know and explain the school values of respect, integrity, teamwork and aspiration (RITA). Teachers expect to see these values in action, and they do. Pupils' reward is to spend their RITA stars in the Star Mark Shop. Pupils have extensive knowledge about staying safe online. They are taught how to stay safe in and out of school. They know the risks of drugs and alcohol.

What the school should improve

• The quality of the curriculum varies between foundation subjects. Key ideas intended to thread though some subjects are unclear, which means that pupils cannot make connections in learning. Essential knowledge is not specified. It is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing these improvements about. For this reason, the transitional arrangements have been applied.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)