Burghfield St Mary's C.E. Primary School is a community school located in Burghfield Village, Reading, Berkshire. The recent inspection conducted on July 11 and 12, 2023, rated the school as good overall, with outstanding behaviour and attitudes. The quality of education, personal development, leadership, and management, as well as early years provision, were all rated as good. The school has maintained its good status since the previous inspection in November 2017.
Pupils at Burghfield St Mary's thrive in a nurturing environment where high expectations are set for both academic and personal growth. The school fosters a caring ethos, which contributes to pupils developing positive attitudes towards learning and achieving well. Relationships among pupils are exceptional, particularly as many come from families in the armed forces and have experienced multiple school changes. The school effectively helps these pupils feel welcomed and fosters a strong sense of belonging. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, promoting understanding of diversity and community values.
Behaviour at the school is exemplary, with no interruptions to lessons and harmonious play during break times. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and pupils feel confident in reporting any concerns, trusting that staff will respond promptly. The curriculum is ambitious, with a clear focus on essential knowledge that builds progressively from Reception to Year 6. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and use effective resources to facilitate understanding. Regular recapping of prior learning helps reinforce knowledge retention.
The school prioritizes reading, employing a systematic approach to phonics instruction. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, and support is readily available for those needing to catch up. This emphasis on reading contributes to pupils developing confidence and fluency. The school also prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, instilling an understanding of citizenship and fundamental British values.
Leadership at Burghfield St Mary's is a significant strength, with leaders and governors working collaboratively to realize improvement plans. Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities provided and feel supported in their roles. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with all staff receiving regular training to identify and report any concerns. The PSHE curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about healthy relationships and online safety.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas for improvement. In a few subjects, the work assigned to pupils does not fully support them in reaching the ambitious goals outlined in the curriculum. Leaders need to ensure that all staff have the necessary knowledge to facilitate systematic learning progression. Additionally, the range of extracurricular activities has been impacted by the pandemic and staff turnover, limiting opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and talents. Leaders are aware of this and have plans to revitalize the extracurricular offer.
Overall, Burghfield St Mary's C.E. Primary School is a well-regarded institution that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils. The school’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, alongside its focus on academic achievement and personal development, positions it as a valuable educational establishment within the local area.
