Bromesberrow St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a small, voluntary aided primary school located in Bromesberrow, Ledbury, Herefordshire. The school serves children aged 3 to 11 and has a total enrollment of 56 pupils. The school operates under the governance of a dedicated board, with co-headteachers leading the educational efforts. The school has been recognized for its good overall effectiveness, as well as the quality of leadership and management, teaching, learning, assessment, personal development, behavior, welfare, and outcomes for pupils.
The recent inspection highlighted that by the end of Year 6, pupils achieve well and make good progress, particularly in reading and mathematics, where their performance is notably above the national average. A significant percentage of pupils reach a deeper understanding of these subjects by the end of Year 6. The school has also demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils, especially the most able, perform well over time. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) also make good progress from their starting points, thanks to tailored support and effective monitoring.
The school environment is characterized by positive behavior and a harmonious community. Pupils exhibit a strong desire to learn and demonstrate positive attitudes towards their education. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and relevant, promoting good progress across various subjects. Reading and phonics instruction is particularly effective, with a high percentage of pupils meeting the expected standards in national assessments.
Despite these strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. Writing standards, particularly in depth and spelling, require attention. The school aims to encourage pupils to apply their writing skills across the wider curriculum to enhance their proficiency. Additionally, recent changes in mathematics teaching need further development to fully cultivate pupils' reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
Leadership and management are strong, with co-headteachers effectively addressing areas identified for improvement in previous inspections. The leadership team works collaboratively with teachers and support staff to ensure accountability and high standards of teaching. The school has made effective use of assessment systems to identify gaps in learning and implement interventions to support pupils in catching up.
Governance is robust, with governors actively involved in monitoring the school's progress and supporting its development. They have a clear understanding of the school's priorities and challenge leaders to maintain high standards. The school has established strong relationships with families, particularly those from the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, ensuring that all pupils feel supported and included.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with clear policies and procedures in place to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained and aware of their responsibilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. The school fosters a safe environment where pupils feel secure and valued.
Overall, Bromesberrow St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a good school that provides a solid foundation for its pupils. With continued focus on improving writing standards and enhancing the quality of mathematics instruction, the school is well-positioned to further elevate the educational outcomes for all its students. The commitment to personal development, alongside academic achievement, ensures that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.
