Leigh St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Leigh, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024. The school provides a friendly and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and settled. Students express that their learning is enjoyable, which motivates them to attend school eagerly. The staff's commitment to the well-being of the pupils is evident, as they are readily available to offer support. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, meet the school's high expectations and achieve well. Recognition for hard work, such as badges and certificates, is appreciated by the students.
The classrooms at Leigh St Mary’s are calm and conducive to learning, with pupils demonstrating good behavior throughout the school. They strive to adhere to the school's diamond rules, which emphasize respect and care for others. The pupils report that everyone is treated equally within the school community. The school offers a variety of enriching opportunities, including visits to local churches, libraries, and museums, as well as participation in sports clubs, art clubs, and the choir. The pupils enjoy engaging in dance and drama performances, often collaborating with other local schools, and older students benefit from music tuition.
The curriculum at Leigh St Mary’s is broad and balanced, with a clear structure that breaks down ambitious content into manageable steps. However, in 2023, the attainment of some pupils at the end of Year 6 in certain subjects was significantly below national averages. This was attributed to complex needs among some students and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created gaps in their knowledge. Despite this, most current pupils are achieving well. Staff receive effective training to enhance their subject knowledge, and they typically employ appropriate learning activities to deliver the curriculum successfully. However, in some subjects, assessment strategies do not adequately focus on the specific knowledge that pupils need to learn, which can hinder their progress.
The school is proactive in identifying additional needs among pupils and collaborates effectively with external specialists and parents to support students with special educational needs. These pupils are included in the full curriculum and participate in school life. The school has prioritized reading, recently enhancing its approach to foster a love of reading among pupils. High-quality texts are central to the curriculum, and inviting book areas are stocked with diverse literature. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, and many aspire to become authors.
Attendance is closely monitored, and the school employs effective strategies to ensure that pupils attend regularly and punctually. The pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and are eager to discuss their educational experiences. The school also supports the wider development of pupils, encouraging them to take on leadership roles and engage in community service, such as visiting local care homes and participating in environmental initiatives.
The governing body plays a vital role in supporting and challenging the school, focusing on the quality of education provided. The well-being of staff is a priority, and they report enjoying their work at the school. The school has implemented a revised approach to marking and feedback to assist staff in fulfilling their roles effectively. Overall, Leigh St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and achievement. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in refining assessment strategies and ensuring consistent delivery of the phonics program to enhance reading fluency and accuracy among all pupils.
