St Mary's RC Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 October 2024

The school has established a mission built around the love of God, the school community and learning. Pupils understand that what they learn now will help them to achieve their aspirations for the future. There is a real sense of family at St Mary's RC Primary School. Leaders have established a culture that helps pupils to feel happy and safe. One parent summed up the views of many by saying, 'My child skips into school every day.' The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement. The new leadership team has established an ambitious curriculum. In early years, children quickly learn the skills that they need for future learning. This prepares children well for the demands of Year 1. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Across the school, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Adults help pupils to manage their feelings and behaviour well by applying expectations consistently. Pupils readily rise to these expectations. They treat each other courteously and with respect. Pupils behave well most of the time. If pupils struggle to manage their emotions, staff provide caring support that helps them to get back on track quickly.

What the school should improve

• The important knowledge that pupils require is not identified and taught clearly enough in some curriculum subjects, including some aspects of PSHE. In these areas, pupils sometimes struggle to acquire and remember the important knowledge that they need. The school should make sure that this important knowledge is clearly identified and that teachers are clear about the order in which this content should be taught.

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