St Mary’s RC Voluntary Aided Primary School in London has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating across all inspected areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection took place on May 24 and 25, 2023, and the school has maintained this level of performance since its previous inspection in June 2017.
Pupils at St Mary’s are reported to be happy and engaged in their learning, reflecting a strong sense of community fostered by school leaders. The school emphasizes good behavior and serious engagement in lessons, with established routines that promote a calm learning environment from the early years. Year 6 pupils take on leadership roles as peer mediators, helping to resolve conflicts among younger students during break times.
The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, providing pupils with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects in preparation for secondary education. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well supported, benefiting from specialized teaching in subjects such as computing, physical education, and music. The school effectively utilizes local educational opportunities, offering a range of outings that enhance the curriculum and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Teachers at St Mary’s are skilled in delivering lessons that encourage a sense of community and citizenship among pupils. Initiatives such as fundraising for charities and environmental projects led by Year 5 Ecoambassadors demonstrate the school’s commitment to developing responsible and engaged citizens. The curriculum is structured to ensure that pupils acquire key knowledge in each subject, with teachers breaking down new concepts into manageable steps to facilitate understanding.
Reading is a significant focus at St Mary’s, with daily reading lessons and opportunities for older pupils to read with younger ones. The early reading phonics program begins in Reception, where staff model sounds effectively, helping pupils to develop their reading skills. However, there are instances where phonics sessions could be improved by focusing more sharply on the specific sounds being taught.
The school environment is described as calm and orderly, with pupils encouraged to take on leadership roles that build their confidence. The staff is attentive to the well-being of pupils, ensuring that those with special educational needs are identified early and supported appropriately. The governing body is also mindful of staff well-being, considering workload in decision-making processes.
Safeguarding arrangements at St Mary’s are effective, with clear policies and procedures in place. Leaders are knowledgeable about the pupils and their families, ensuring that staff are vigilant regarding potential risks to students. Pupils receive education on staying safe, both in their local community and online, promoting a culture of health and well-being.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a recommendation for leaders to enhance the phonics teaching by ensuring that activities are closely aligned with the phonics sounds being learned. This adjustment aims to further support pupils in developing their decoding skills for reading.
Overall, St Mary’s RC Voluntary Aided Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, fostering a supportive community, and ensuring the well-being of its pupils and staff. The school’s leadership is proactive in seeking continuous improvement, ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
