St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Penzance

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school that provides its pupils with a rich and engaging learning environment.

It is not yet outstanding because there are some inconsistencies in progress made by a minority of pupils and occasionally the level of challenge in lessons is not appropriate for some. In addition, attendance rates have recently fallen below average. Pupils' attainment is broadly average at the end of both key stages, but their achievement is good because pupils make accelerated progress from their individual starting points.

Disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs make good progress, but there are a few pupils whose progress is slower, especially those with behavioural, emotiona...l and social difficulties, because although barriers to their learning have been tackled robustly, this has not yet resulted in improved progress for this group. Teaching is good. Planning is of a consistently high quality throughout the school and lessons are frequently imaginative.

Tasks are usually tailored to pupils' needs, but occasionally the level of challenge is too great for lower-attaining pupils. Assessment is used effectively to inform pupils of how well they have done and what they need to do to improve. Pupils' behaviour is good, the pupils enjoy learning and they all say they feel safe in school.

Parents, carers and pupils say there is virtually no bullying and that minor incidents are dealt with quickly and effectively. Pupils are polite and frequently help each other voluntarily. Despite the best efforts of the school, attendance levels are below average.

The school is well led and managed. The effective monitoring of teaching and learning has led to improved attainment at Key Stage 1 and good achievement throughout the school. Staff performance is managed well.

The actions taken by leaders and managers have led to measurable improvement in several areas. Provision for pupils' spiritual and cultural development is a very strong feature of the school.

Information about the school

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

Most pupils are of White British heritage, with minorities of Eastern European, Turkish and Asian origin. The number of pupils who speak English as an additional language is broadly average and has increased recently. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is broadly average.

There has been an increase in the number of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported by school action plus, or who have a statement of special educational needs, with both being above average. There are fewer girls at the school than boys. The proportion of pupils who join the school at times other than in Reception has increased recently.

Pupils are taught in one mixed-age class and five single-age classes. Since the last inspection there have been some significant changes to staff, including the appointment of the present headteacher in 2010. There is a pre-school using the school building that is subject to a separate inspection.

The governing body manages a breakfast club, which formed part of the inspection. The school has the School Council Platinum Award, the Primary Science Quality Mark, Healthy Schools Plus status and the Sing-Up Gold Award. The school meets the current floor standard, which sets the minimum government expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.