St Mary's Catholic Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 February 2025

St Mary's Catholic Primary School lives by its Christian values and pupils learn how to look after themselves and others. The staff know pupils as individuals and take good care of their well-being. Pupils trust that adults will listen to them if they have a concern. This means that they feel safe. There are high expectations for what all pupils can achieve. Pupils, including those who speak English as an additional language, learn to read quickly and fluently. They become confident, polite and articulate. Across the school, in different subjects, pupils learn well. Leaders expect pupils to meet a high standard of behaviour. In the early years, children settle into sensible routines. Pupils wear their uniforms with pride. They behave well in lessons and at social times. The school is a happy and purposeful place. Visitors and trips out of school contribute well to pupils' learning. Pupils can take up a very wide range of responsibilities, such as house captains, school councillors or playground buddies. They contribute significantly to school decision-making, arranging outdoor clocks so that pupils know how much play time is left. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, benefit well from extra-curricular opportunities.

What the school should improve

• The school's work to help pupils recall what they have learned is not yet consistent. As a result, pupils sometimes struggle to retain new learning and fit their learning together. The school should go further to help pupils commit their learning to their long-term memory so that they have a secure and integral knowledge of their subjects.

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