St Mary's CofE (VC) J and I School
Mill Bank, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3EJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Mary's CofE (VC) J and I School is a primary school in Sowerby Bridge for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 112 schools in Calderdale. It ranks 10th of 75 primary schools in Calderdale. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 6 March 2024, report published 29 April 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 6 March 2024
This rural village school is at the heart of the community. It is a warm and welcoming place. Pupils value the wealth of experiences that this small school offers. Families appreciate attending open mornings, performances and collective worship. Staff build positive relationships with parents and carers. This creates a supportive atmosphere where pupils achieve well. Pupils work well together in class and during breaktimes. They are well-mannered and polite. This begins in Reception, where children learn how to manage their emotions and work with others. Older pupils model expected behaviour for younger children. Year 6 pupils act as prefects. They support younger children in practical ways. For example, they help them to achieve the 'golden knife and fork' award for their table manners. The school curriculum is underpinned by the teaching of important life skills. Pupils are extremely well prepared to be active citizens in modern Britain. They reflect on national and global issues through weekly 'big questions'. Pupils are articulate. They share their views confidently. Pupils believe school gives them 'freedom to fly' by readying them for life beyond school.
What the school should improve
- There is some variation in how well the school checks pupils' understanding in lessons. This can limit pupils' progression through some aspects of the curriculum. The school should improve the ways that it checks pupils' understanding so that teaching supports their progression through the curriculum.
- There is variation in how planned learning opportunities are implemented in the early years. Questions are not used effectively to deepen children's learning. This means that children could make greater progress than they do. The school should improve the way it builds on children's existing knowledge to deepen their learning.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
12 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
61 pupils on roll, with places for 105
Schools near St Mary's CofE (VC) J and I School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triangle CofE VC Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 61% met the expected standard |
| Ripponden Junior and Infant School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 64% met the expected standard |
| Trinity Academy St Peter's | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Barkisland CofE VA Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 76% met the expected standard |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Ms Yvette Sullivan
- Phone
- 01422823353
- Address
- Mill Bank, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3EJ
- Local authority
- Calderdale
- URN
- 107538
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.