St Mary’s and St John’s C of E School in Hendon, London, has been rated as good in all areas during its recent inspection. The school promotes values of wisdom, service, and hope, with leaders maintaining high expectations for academic outcomes. Pupils demonstrate eagerness to learn, displaying good behavior and respect towards staff and peers. In the early years, children show kindness, while primary phase pupils exhibit excellent behavior. Secondary phase students work diligently and focus well in class, ensuring a safe environment for all.
The school offers a variety of clubs and educational visits, enhancing the educational experience beyond academics. A new program ensures that every pupil in Years 7 to 11 participates in different extracurricular activities each term. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to teach peers, learn new skills, and serve the community. For instance, primary pupils can take on roles as sports and faith leaders, while sixth-form students mentor Year 6 pupils in mathematics. The school organizes numerous outings, including visits to the opera and professional football matches, enriching students' experiences.
The curriculum is well-structured from early years to sixth form, with recent enhancements in the secondary phase to ensure a comprehensive range of subjects is taught. Senior leaders have identified areas for improvement and have implemented measures to address weaknesses, particularly in the primary phase, where past low progress in reading has been tackled effectively. The school prioritizes staff well-being and workload, supported by a governing body that holds leaders accountable.
Subject leaders demonstrate strong curriculum thinking, ensuring that pupils build essential knowledge over time. In English, for example, pupils learn about language use, figurative language, and text structure. The early reading curriculum is robust, enabling children to read effectively from the start of Reception. Staff are trained to support pupils in developing reading fluency, and those needing additional help receive timely assistance.
Teaching generally ensures that pupils understand and retain what they learn, although some recent curriculum improvements may not yet be fully realized in all subjects. This can lead to gaps in knowledge for a few pupils. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that teaching aligns with the curriculum's ambitions.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to access an ambitious curriculum and achieve well. The school maintains calm and orderly behavior across all year groups, with positive attitudes particularly evident in the primary phase. Attendance improvement is a priority, with successful strategies implemented to enhance overall attendance and punctuality.
The personal development curriculum begins in Reception, focusing on self-awareness and health. The school emphasizes active citizenship and provides numerous extracurricular opportunities, including clubs in football, musical theatre, and journalism. Work experience is encouraged for all pupils, including those with SEND, and the sixth form benefits from a program of visiting speakers from various professions.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on delivering a high-quality education that meets the needs of all students. Overall, St Mary’s and St John’s C of E School demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal development, fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
