St Michael’s Church of England Primary School in Sandhurst has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, receiving a Good rating in various areas including leadership and management, teaching quality, personal development, behavior, welfare, and pupil outcomes. The school has demonstrated a commitment to improving educational standards, with leaders taking effective actions to enhance teaching and learning. Staff members appreciate the professional development opportunities provided, which contribute to the overall positive environment within the school. The leadership team, including governors, has a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, and they are dedicated to fostering further advancements.
The school has effectively addressed a recent decline in standards, ensuring that pupils receive a quality education with support from the local authority. Middle leaders are knowledgeable and positively influence teaching and pupil outcomes. Pupils exhibit good behavior and take pride in their work, enjoying a diverse range of learning activities. Safeguarding measures are in place, ensuring pupils are well cared for, although some records require better organization.
The curriculum is broad and engaging, providing pupils with a wide range of knowledge across various subjects. However, there is a need for further development in specific skills outside of English and mathematics. Current pupils are making good progress in these core subjects, particularly in upper key stage two, with high attainment levels. Nonetheless, strategies to enhance writing and mathematics progress are still being established throughout the school.
Parents express satisfaction with the early years provision, noting that children are well challenged in their foundational skills. However, the outdoor area for early years is underdeveloped, limiting opportunities for children to progress in other curriculum areas, especially for the most able. The leadership of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision requires strengthening to ensure that pupils with SEND are accurately identified and supported in their learning.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance leadership and governance effectiveness by organizing safeguarding records better and strengthening SEND provision. Additionally, the quality of teaching and learning should be further improved to ensure consistent progress across the curriculum. This includes sharing best practices to embed recent developments in writing and mathematics, increasing challenge in the early years curriculum, and systematically building pupils’ skills across the wider curriculum.
The headteacher and deputy headteacher have fostered a community atmosphere within the school, with parents expressing positive sentiments about the school environment. Staff morale is high, and there is a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The curriculum is well-planned, ensuring pupils enjoy a variety of experiences, including trips and visitors that enrich their learning. Pupils take pride in their cross-curricular projects, showcasing creativity and effort in their work.
Governors have become more confident in their roles, holding leaders accountable for outcomes and funding use. They are ambitious for the school’s future and committed to developing well-rounded individuals. The school promotes healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, winning recognition for its commitment to engaging pupils in sports. Pupils feel safe and supported, with a strong understanding of online safety.
Overall, St Michael’s Church of England Primary School is a good school with a clear vision for improvement, dedicated staff, and a supportive community. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of enhancing educational outcomes for all pupils.
