St Martins School (3-16 Learning Community)

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 January 2023

St Martins School is a small school with a big heart. Leaders want every pupil to be 'selfless, self-assured and successful'. They aim to achieve this by offering a personalised approach where each pupil is regarded as an individual. Pupils build trusting relationships with staff, based on mutual respect, from Nursery to Year 11. As a result of this, pupils feel valued, happy and safe. Throughout the school day, staff take every opportunity to interact positively with pupils. Mr Wilko, the school therapy dog, also lends a helping paw when he can. One pupil told inspectors, 'This school fits me as a person.' Pupils behave extremely well. In lessons, they listen carefully to their teachers and are keen to participate in learning. At social times, pupils sit or play sensibly together, with many older pupils choosing to access the 'hub' space that houses the school library. During lesson changeovers, secondary-phase pupils move around the building sensibly and without fuss. Some parents and carers are not confident that all bullying concerns are fully resolved. However, inspectors found that this is not the view of the pupils. When pupils do report bullying, it is always investigated, with staff taking appropriate action.

What the school should improve

• A significant number of pupils in some year groups are absent or persistently absent from school. This impacts on how well pupils learn and slows their progress. Leaders should continue to work closely with parents to overcome barriers to pupils' poor attendance.
• The curriculum in a few foundation subjects in the primary phase has recently been revised and is in the earlier stages of implementation. As a result of this, the impact of these changes is not yet known. Leaders should ensure that they evaluate the recent curriculum changes to ensure that these have the impact that leaders intend.
• In some secondary departments, information for pupils with SEND is not used as well as it could be. As a result of this, some pupils may not benefit from the support that they require. Leaders should ensure that all relevant information is shared in a timely and appropriate way with all staff.

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