St Mary’s RC Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils reach above average standards in English and mathematics by the time they leave the school in Year 6. A greater proportion of most able pupils reach above average standards than is the case nationally. Pupils in this school make greater progress than in most schools and their achievement is outstanding.

Disadvantaged pupils achieve higher standards in English and mathematics compared with similar pupils nationally. Pupils who speak English as an additional language, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs make excellent progress from their various starting points. Children in the Early Years Foundation Sta...ge make an excellent start to their education and reach above age-related expectations by the time they start in Year 1.

Teaching and learning are outstanding and consequently, all groups of pupils make outstanding progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The curriculum is rich and exciting and pupils participate well in an excellent range of activities within school and beyond, including an extensive programme of educational visits. Excellent use of the primary school sport funding ensures pupils have high quality opportunities to participate in a range of sports.

Pupils show respect for each other and for adults and their behaviour is exemplary. Pupils' safety is outstanding and they say that they feel safe and well cared for in school. The school makes an excellent contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

There are many opportunities for pupils to take part in prayer or quiet reflection on important issues, such as their hopes for themselves during the next school year. The headteacher is determined to ensure that the school offers pupils the best education possible. Along with other leaders, managers and governors, she has ensured that standards continue to rise by improving the quality of teaching.

Senior leaders use data and information about what pupils know and can do very effectively to help pupils to make rapid progress. They have identified a need to help subject leaders gain a deeper understanding of the use of these data so they can continue to raise standards in their subjects. Training opportunities to improve further the quality of teaching are regular and teachers are keen to keep improving their practice.

The governing body makes regular checks on how well pupils are achieving to ensure that every group makes excellent progress during their time in the school.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is above average.

The proportion of those who speak English as an additional language is broadly average. The proportion of pupils identified with special educational needs supported through school action is below the national average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below the national average.

A below average proportion of disadvantaged pupils is eligible for support through pupil premium funding. The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, and those children who are looked after by the local authority. In 2013, the school met the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.