St Thomas C of E Primary School in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2024. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are happy and engaged in both learning and play. The staff maintain high expectations for student achievement, and most pupils perform well across various subjects. The strong relationships between staff and pupils contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making learning enjoyable and interactive. From the early years through to Year 6, pupils frequently engage in discussions about their learning, which helps them clarify their ideas and support one another.
The school organizes numerous educational visits that enhance the curriculum, allowing pupils to connect their learning with real-world experiences. For instance, Year 1 pupils enthusiastically shared their experiences from a trip to Manchester Airport, which complemented their studies on the history of flight. The school has implemented clear and straightforward rules, rewards, and sanctions to promote good behavior, and most pupils respond positively to these expectations. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, and encourages pupils to take on responsibilities such as house captains and playground buddies.
The curriculum at St Thomas has been thoughtfully designed, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, follow ambitious and well-structured programs. Teachers are well-informed about the learning objectives across subjects and build upon pupils' prior knowledge effectively. Recent curriculum changes have raised expectations regarding vocabulary, and while most teachers have adapted well, some subjects have only recently implemented these changes, leading to gaps in learning. This is particularly evident in pupils' understanding of how different topics interconnect.
Teachers benefit from extensive training opportunities, including observing and sharing best practices within the school and beyond. They generally explain content clearly and use engaging resources to facilitate learning. However, there are instances where explanations of new vocabulary are not sufficiently clear, which can lead to misconceptions that hinder pupils' understanding. The phonics program is well-structured, and staff ensure that reading materials align with pupils' phonetic knowledge. Regular assessments help identify pupils who may need additional support, ensuring that by the end of Key Stage 1, they are fluent readers ready for the next stage of their education.
The school is committed to fostering a love of reading from the early years, with pupils enjoying stories read by their teachers and having access to a diverse range of books for pleasure. The needs of pupils with special educational needs are promptly identified, and appropriate support is provided to ensure they can engage fully with the curriculum alongside their peers. The school promotes an orderly environment where most pupils behave well, and those who struggle receive the necessary support to return to positive engagement quickly.
St Thomas C of E Primary School offers numerous opportunities for personal development through social and cultural visits, as well as discussions on important topics such as health and equality. The majority of staff feel valued and proud to work at the school, embracing recent changes positively. The governing body plays an active role in supporting school improvement. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to address gaps in learning resulting from recent curriculum changes and improve clarity in vocabulary instruction to enhance overall pupil understanding.
