Mark First and Pre-School CE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Nearly all pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics, leading to attainment levels that are above expectations at the end of Year 2 and Year 4.

Learning for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage is often vibrant and exciting. The majority of teaching is good and some is outstanding. As a result, pupils are enthusiastic about learning.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They have very positive attitudes to school, attend regularly and their social skills are exceptionally well developed. Pupils say they feel very safe in school and that there is no bullying.

Pupils understand how to keep safe. They know ...a great deal about internet safety The school is well led and managed and there is a shared desire and commitment from leaders, governors and staff to make the school even better. Teaching has improved since the last inspection.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils' handwriting skills are not consistently good in all classes. Quite a few pupils do not form letters correctly. Expectations as to how pupils present their work are not high enough.

The presentation of some work in a number of subjects, such as English, mathematics, history and religious education, is untidy. On a few occasions, time is lost in lessons because classrooms are not organised to best effect to maximise pupils' learning.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than most primary schools.

The majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds, with a few from mixed backgrounds and other ethnic groups. Very few pupils speak English as an additional language. Around 3% of pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium funding, which is well below the average for most primary schools.

The number of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported on school action is broadly average. The proportion of pupils supported on school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. Three new staff have been appointed since September 2012, including one newly qualified teacher.

The headteacher was also appointed from September 2012, after being acting headteacher of the school from September 2010. The governing body manages a breakfast and after-school club on the school site. Pupils move on to the local middle school at the end of Year 4.