St Mary's Priory RC Junior School in London has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 30 and 31, 2024. The school promotes values such as respect, tolerance, resilience, and ambition, which pupils actively embrace. They understand the importance of being kind and working hard, contributing to a positive and enjoyable school environment. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with high expectations for the knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to acquire. This ambitious curriculum is accessible to all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Pupils demonstrate commendable behavior in lessons, supporting one another in their learning. They are polite and friendly throughout the school, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The leadership team prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that all staff members recognize their role in keeping pupils safe. Students feel comfortable approaching any adult in the school with their concerns, which fosters a secure environment.
The curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge, with leaders continuously working to enhance its effectiveness. While some areas are well-established, others are still developing. The curriculum aligns with national standards and, in some subjects, exceeds them. Teachers employ various strategies to help pupils retain and recall information, including the teaching of key terminology and regular assessments to identify and address gaps in knowledge.
In Year 3, selected pupils receive additional support in early reading and phonics, which is crucial for developing their reading fluency and fostering a love for literature. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, and parents are involved in supporting their children's reading at home. Pupils express enthusiasm for their favorite stories, indicating a strong engagement with reading.
The school maintains high expectations for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring their needs are quickly identified and addressed with appropriate support plans. The impact of these plans is regularly assessed and adjusted as necessary. The school community is characterized by respectful interactions, and the environment is conducive to uninterrupted learning.
Pupil attendance is notably high, thanks to robust systems implemented by leaders to encourage regular attendance. The school collaborates with families, particularly those facing challenges, to provide necessary support. The personal development curriculum is thoughtfully planned, aiming to cultivate character and prepare pupils for future citizenship. Extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, have been emphasized post-pandemic to promote physical well-being.
The school has effectively managed challenges related to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in its facilities. Leaders are also focused on enhancing the roles of subject leaders to further support pupil success. The arrangements for safeguarding are deemed effective, contributing to a culture that prioritizes pupil welfare.
To continue improving, the school should focus on embedding and strengthening the curriculum while developing the roles of middle leaders. This ongoing commitment to excellence will ensure that St Mary's Priory RC Junior School remains a nurturing and effective educational environment for all its pupils. The school has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, maintaining its good standing and commitment to providing quality education.
