St Mark's CofE Primary School in Walkden, Manchester, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 17 and 18, 2024. The school provides a positive environment where pupils are happy and engaged. They express enthusiasm for the variety of clubs and activities available, which cater to diverse interests and contribute significantly to their overall development. The behavior of pupils is commendable, guided by the school's core values of trustworthiness and respect. Early years children quickly develop strong learning habits, becoming independent and confident learners, which sets a solid foundation for their future education.
The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff foster warm and supportive relationships, encouraging pupils to strive for their best and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. This supportive atmosphere has led to strong academic achievements, particularly in reading and mathematics, where pupils demonstrate confidence and articulate their thoughts effectively.
St Mark's has shown a commitment to continuous improvement since its last inspection. The curriculum is well-structured from Nursery through to the end of key stage two, designed to be ambitious and inclusive. The school promptly identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND and has provided recent training for teachers to enhance their instructional strategies. This has resulted in effective learning experiences for all pupils.
The school has developed strong staff expertise, particularly in subject leadership, and provides high-quality resources that alleviate teacher workload while enhancing pupil learning. Staff express pride in their work environment, contributing to a positive school culture. The curriculum is carefully planned, with a focus on essential knowledge that pupils should acquire, ensuring that learning builds progressively.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a focus on ambitious texts that enrich learning across subjects. Pupils understand the significance of reading and enjoy selecting books that align with their interests. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, with resources tailored to support early readers, ensuring they develop the necessary skills for fluency and accuracy. The school provides additional support for pupils who struggle with reading, helping them improve their skills effectively.
Pupils in the early years adapt quickly to school routines, demonstrating good listening and turn-taking skills. Older pupils exhibit conscientious behavior, rarely needing reminders about conduct. The school emphasizes attendance, taking effective measures to improve the attendance rates of pupils who are frequently absent.
St Mark's prepares pupils well for life in British society, instilling values such as democracy and tolerance. The school encourages high aspirations through community involvement in career days and promotes safe and responsible technology use through initiatives like Tech-Talk Tuesday. By Year 6, pupils are equipped with the confidence and skills necessary for their next educational phase.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school to maintain high educational standards. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school excels in many areas, it has identified a need for clarity in a few subjects regarding essential knowledge that should be emphasized. Addressing this will further enhance pupils' learning experiences and retention of knowledge. Overall, St Mark's CofE Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a nurturing and ambitious learning environment for its pupils.
