St Mark’s CofE Primary School in Kendal, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 15 and 16, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy, polite, and welcoming. The values upheld by the governors and leaders are evident in the students' behavior, promoting fairness and kindness among peers. Staff members maintain warm and supportive relationships with pupils, ensuring that any concerns are addressed promptly. The school has effective measures in place to combat bullying, contributing to a safe atmosphere for all students.
Leaders at St Mark’s have high expectations for both learning and behavior, which are well understood by staff and pupils alike. This clarity leads to good conduct in lessons and throughout the school. Pupils show enthusiasm for their learning, engaging actively with the diverse activities provided by their teachers. The school supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve well.
The curriculum at St Mark’s is broad and ambitious, designed to help pupils make connections across different subjects. Leaders have carefully selected a variety of trips and projects to enhance the educational experience. While most subjects have clearly defined knowledge goals, some areas are under review to ensure that essential knowledge is broken down into manageable steps for effective learning. This approach allows pupils to build their knowledge progressively.
Pupils are quickly identified if they have additional needs, and the school provides the necessary support to ensure they can access the curriculum alongside their peers. Teachers are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively, demonstrating a solid understanding of their subjects. They revisit prior learning to ensure pupils are ready to progress, and they address misconceptions swiftly, contributing to overall student success. However, in a few subjects, assessment strategies need further development to better gauge pupil understanding and retention of knowledge.
Reading is a priority at St Mark’s, with pupils encouraged to read widely both in and out of school. They enjoy opportunities to read with younger students and even with the school’s guinea pigs, which has helped some reluctant readers develop a love for reading. The introduction of a new phonics curriculum has been successful, enabling pupils to become confident readers by matching reading materials to their phonics knowledge.
Pupils exhibit good behavior throughout the school day, learning routines from a young age. They are considerate during break times and engage attentively in lessons, minimizing disruptions. The curriculum extends beyond academics, incorporating opportunities for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Pupils participate in community events and charity initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect.
Governance at St Mark’s is strong, with a clear vision for the school. Governors are well-informed and hold leaders accountable for continuous improvement. Most staff feel supported in managing their workload and well-being.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Leaders provide regular updates on safeguarding issues, ensuring a safe environment for pupils. Students are educated on personal safety, including first aid and water safety.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on breaking down essential knowledge into smaller learning steps in a few subjects and developing strategies to assess pupil retention of the curriculum. Overall, St Mark’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
