St Mary's RC Primary School in Eccles, Manchester, has been recognized as an outstanding institution following its inspection in September 2014. The school has demonstrated exceptional performance across various aspects, including leadership and management, pupil behavior and safety, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, and early years provision. The headteacher and senior leaders have established a culture of high expectations, ensuring that all pupils receive a quality education that prepares them well for future stages in their academic journey.
Pupils at St Mary's achieve above-average standards in English and mathematics by the time they complete Year 6. The school excels in fostering the progress of its most able pupils, with a higher proportion reaching above-average standards compared to national figures. Disadvantaged pupils also perform well, achieving higher standards than similar pupils nationally. The school effectively supports pupils who speak English as an additional language, disabled pupils, and those with special educational needs, ensuring they make excellent progress from their starting points.
The quality of teaching at St Mary's is outstanding, with teachers employing effective strategies that engage pupils and promote their learning. The curriculum is rich and varied, providing pupils with numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, including educational visits and sports. The school has made excellent use of the primary school sport funding, enhancing pupils' engagement in physical education and sports.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, with students showing respect for one another and for adults. The school environment is safe and nurturing, contributing to pupils' overall well-being. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through various activities, including opportunities for prayer and reflection. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, utilizing data effectively to monitor pupil progress and identify areas for development.
The governing body plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards, regularly reviewing pupil achievement and ensuring that all groups make excellent progress. The school has established strong communication with parents, who express high levels of satisfaction with the education their children receive. The school has also demonstrated its capacity for improvement, with ongoing training for staff to enhance teaching quality further.
In the early years provision, children make an excellent start to their education, with many reaching above age-related expectations by the time they transition to Year 1. The leadership in the early years is outstanding, ensuring that children are engaged and motivated to learn through well-planned activities. The school environment is conducive to learning, with effective use of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Overall, St Mary's RC Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, with a strong commitment to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. The school's focus on high standards, effective teaching, and a supportive environment contributes to its outstanding status. The inspection findings highlight the school's success in fostering a positive learning culture that benefits all pupils, preparing them well for their future educational endeavors.
