St Mark’s Church of England Primary School in Kennington, London, was inspected on 10-11 September 2019 and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to the education and well-being of its pupils. Staff members are dedicated to ensuring that students feel cared for and supported in their learning journey. Pupils express enjoyment in their lessons and appreciate the assistance they receive from teachers when they encounter difficulties. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils behave well, showing friendliness, politeness, and kindness towards one another. They actively welcome new students, helping them to integrate into the school community.
Safety is a priority at St Mark’s, with pupils learning about risks and how to maintain their safety. They are aware of various forms of bullying and report that such incidents are rare. When bullying does occur, staff respond promptly and effectively. Pupils feel comfortable discussing their feelings with adults, who are attentive to their emotional needs. The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to broaden their experiences through educational trips and various clubs that cater to diverse interests. Additionally, pupils engage in community projects, such as researching local pollution levels and advocating for environmental responsibility.
The leadership team at St Mark’s has high aspirations for pupil achievement across the curriculum. They have made significant improvements in planning and delivering lessons in most subjects. Teachers are well-trained and systematically teach phonics to younger pupils, regularly assessing their reading progress and providing additional support as needed. This approach has resulted in pupils reading with accuracy and fluency, although there are occasional mismatches between reading materials and the phonics being taught. Leaders are aware of this issue and are taking steps to address it by acquiring new texts that align better with the phonics curriculum.
Pupils excel in mathematics, benefiting from well-structured lessons that build their knowledge and skills. In other subjects, teachers receive effective training and guidance, which helps pupils retain what they learn. However, there are areas, particularly in science and music, where new leaders have identified the need for a review of the curriculum and teacher expertise to enhance the quality of education further.
The school has made notable improvements in early years provision, with teachers understanding how young children learn and providing a range of suitable activities. Children in the early years enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, contributing to their happiness and security. The school actively involves parents in their children's education, offering workshops to support their engagement.
Pupils display eagerness to learn and participate in school activities, maintaining positive attitudes towards their education. They are rarely distracted during lessons, and when necessary, teachers remind them of behavioral expectations. The school promotes respect for all individuals, regardless of their background, and instills a sense of shared values among pupils.
Overall, St Mark’s Church of England Primary School is a well-regarded institution where staff, pupils, and parents view it as a community-focused environment. The commitment of the staff to the school’s aims is evident, and they report feeling supported by leadership in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff being vigilant and responsive to the needs of pupils and their families. The school continues to strive for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all subjects are delivered with the same level of expertise and planning.
