St Mary's CofE Primary School, located in Islington, London, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 21 and 22, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel part of a supportive community. Students are described as friendly, confident, and polite, reflecting the school's emphasis on positive values that guide their interactions with peers and staff. The behavior of pupils is commendable, both in lessons and during breaks, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils express confidence in the staff's ability to address any concerns swiftly.
The leadership at St Mary's has set high expectations for pupil achievement, which is evident in the positive feedback from parents and carers regarding the care and support their children receive. The school effectively caters to the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they achieve well. During break times, pupils engage in cooperative play, and older students take on responsibilities such as reading buddies and school councillors, which enhances their sense of community and service.
The curriculum at St Mary's has been recently revised to ensure it is ambitious and well-structured, particularly in the early years. This structured approach allows children to build knowledge and understanding of their surroundings, fostering confident learners. The sequencing of content across subjects aids in developing a solid foundation of knowledge. For instance, in computing, pupils gain skills in coding and animation design. However, some subjects still require further development, particularly where subject leaders are new and may lack sufficient oversight for curriculum improvement.
Teachers at St Mary's are effective in explaining new concepts, which helps deepen pupils' understanding. In science, for example, Year 6 pupils engage in hands-on experiments to explore light properties. While most children are well-prepared for Year 1, there are instances where teaching does not consistently check for understanding, leading to some misconceptions not being addressed promptly.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with staff adeptly building pupils' phonics skills. Pupils are matched with books that align with their phonetic knowledge, and those who struggle receive tailored support to help them catch up. Daily reading sessions and encouragement to explore a variety of high-quality texts further enhance pupils' literacy skills.
The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they can participate fully in all activities, including school trips. The behavior of pupils is consistently positive, contributing to an environment conducive to learning. Pupils enjoy lessons and are motivated to excel, minimizing disruptions during learning time.
St Mary's also emphasizes the importance of equality and respect, preparing pupils for life in modern British society. They engage in various cultural experiences, including visits to local theatres and community events, which enrich their educational experience. The governing body is actively involved in supporting and challenging school leaders to maintain and improve educational quality while considering staff well-being.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, ensuring they understand the importance of protecting personal information. Overall, while St Mary's CofE Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent formative assessment practices and providing adequate training for new subject leaders to enhance curriculum oversight.
