St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Hawkshaw has been recognized for its outstanding performance during the inspection conducted on February 24-25, 2015. The school has demonstrated exceptional progress among its pupils, who achieve above-average standards by the end of each key stage. In 2014, all Year 6 pupils met the expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, with nearly half exceeding these standards. The school effectively supports disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they achieve at least as well as their peers, with some even attaining higher standards.
The quality of teaching at St Mary’s is outstanding, tailored to meet the individual learning needs of pupils. Teachers set work at appropriate levels of difficulty, enabling all students to make excellent progress. The early years provision is also exemplary, with children quickly settling in and engaging in stimulating activities that foster their learning. While teachers provide careful feedback on pupils' work, there is room for improvement in ensuring that all pupils consistently respond to this feedback to enhance their learning further.
The school’s curriculum is rich and diverse, offering opportunities for all pupils to learn musical instruments, which contributes significantly to their spiritual, social, moral, and cultural development. The headteacher exhibits strong leadership, driving the school towards continuous improvement and high standards. Supported by a dedicated deputy headteacher, committed staff, and an effective governing body, the school has made significant strides since the previous inspection.
Governance at St Mary’s is excellent, with governors possessing a deep understanding of the school’s operations. They provide the right balance of support and challenge, ensuring ongoing improvement. Pupils’ behavior is exemplary; they demonstrate respect for one another and staff, contributing to a positive school environment. The school is described by pupils as a family, fostering strong relationships among students.
The school’s commitment to safeguarding is outstanding, with pupils feeling safe and well-supported. Parents overwhelmingly agree that their children feel secure at the school. The inspection involved a comprehensive evaluation of teaching quality, including lesson observations, discussions with pupils, and reviews of their work. The inspector also engaged with governors and staff to assess the school’s effectiveness.
St Mary’s is a smaller-than-average primary school with a predominantly White British pupil population. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is below average, and the school effectively utilizes pupil premium funding to support disadvantaged students. The headteacher is recognized as a local leader of education, providing support to other schools in the area.
To further enhance its already high standards, the school aims to improve the consistency of pupils’ responses to marking and develop a handwriting and presentation policy to ensure uniformity across all classes. Overall, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally.
