St Mark’s CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The dedicated headteacher and deputy headteacher have maintained a good quality of education for pupils.

Children get off to a good start and make good progress in the early years. Adults provide stimulating activities that engage and interest children. Children develop a strong interest in books and stories.

However, the opportunities for children to develop their mark-making and writing are limited. Phonics is taught effectively. Younger pupils read and pronounce sounds and write the letters that these sounds represent with confidence.

The quality of teaching is good. Staff are keen to engage pupils in activities that capture t...heir imaginations. However, occasionally activities in subjects beyond English and mathematics do not provide the right levels of challenge for the range of pupils' abilities.

By the end of key stage 2, the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics is much higher than the national average. The proportion of pupils reaching the higher standards in reading and mathematics by the end of Year 6 is much higher than the national average. In 2018, the proportion of those reaching greater depth in writing increased and was slightly above the national average.

Several subject leaders are at an early stage of developing a thorough understanding of the progress that pupils make over time. Systems are not embedded for subject leaders to monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in their areas of responsibility. A new curriculum is in place, and pupils enjoy learning about history and geography through topic work.

However, although pupils learn about cultures which may be different from their own, their knowledge and understanding lack depth. Pupils behave well and clearly enjoy coming to school. This is reflected in above-average attendance.

The vast majority of parents and carers would recommend this school. Governors have a good understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They and leaders are committed to continually improving all aspects of this school community.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average-sized primary school. The majority of pupils are White British. The proportion who speak English as an additional language is well below the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is lower than the national average. The school operates after-school clubs for pupils.

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