St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Bitteswell

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. St Mary's has maintained its excellence despite considerable changes since the last inspection, including a new headteacher and a number of other staff changes.

Pupils make outstanding progress and achieve exceptionally well in reading, writing and mathematics. They have excellent skills in using a range of new technology to support their learning. The quality of teaching is outstanding.

All staff provide a wide range of interesting and often practical activities that challenge pupils and are well matched to their ability levels. Children in Reception make outstanding progress because of detailed and careful planning, close links... with parents and carers and excellent teaching. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

Their very positive attitudes to learning have a strong impact on their progress. They demonstrate great pride in their work and feel safe in school. The school is led exceptionally well by the headteacher.

She has, with the support of all staff, continued to improve the school and ensure that it has not stood still since the last inspection. The governors provide very knowledgeable leadership and hold all to account for their performance. They are very aware of the school's strengths but also investigate rapidly if there are any ways in which it can improve further.

The leadership of reading, writing, mathematics, and the support for children in Reception, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs, is very effective. The leadership of other subject areas is not yet so well developed.

Information about this school

St Mary's is much smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportions of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action, or school action plus or a statement of special educational needs, varies widely between year groups but is below average overall. The large majority of the pupils are White British. A very small number start school at an early stage of learning English as an additional language.

Very few of the pupils are supported by the pupil premium, which in this school provides additional funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school manages a Before and After School Club.