St Martin's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 June 2024

Pupils are proud to meet the high expectations in this highly nurturing school in the heart of Brighton. Parents say, 'St Martin's is a wonderful school with a great community feel'. The ethos is welcoming, inclusive and ambitious. The school values are modelled and promoted by everyone, contributing to a happy and successful school environment. Pupils are joyful, enthusiastic and thriving. There are consistently high ambitions for all, and pupils achieve well across the curriculum. Behaviour is impeccable. Relationships are supportive, caring and compassionate. Pastoral care for families is exceptional. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are strongly supported. The school nurtures pupils' talents and interests through music lessons, choir, theatre, and extensive involvement in local sports opportunities. The high proportions of disadvantaged pupils particularly benefit from this rich offer of wider development opportunities. Leaders make sure that nobody misses out. The school promotes multiculturalism through the curriculum and an impressive range of trips, visitors and experiences. Pupils don't just tolerate, they celebrate difference. They have a highly developed understanding of equality and diversity. British values are enriched through the democratic election of school councillors. This was enhanced impressively when pupils took the train to London to experience the Houses of Parliament and Lords.

What the school should improve

• Assessment is not fully embedded in some foundation subjects. In these areas of the curriculum, teachers do not always precisely identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school must ensure that assessment is used effectively across the whole curriculum to help pupils securely learn key content across every subject.

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