St Mark’s Church of England Junior School in Cheltenham has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The school is committed to its core values of forgiveness, aspiration, compassion, and engagement, which are integral to its educational approach. Leaders at the school are dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to thrive. Pupils demonstrate a strong work ethic and take pride in their accomplishments, contributing to a positive school culture.
The school environment fosters respect among pupils, staff, and visitors, with high expectations for behavior. Bullying is not tolerated, and staff are proactive in addressing any issues that arise, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. The nurturing atmosphere allows pupils to express their concerns to trusted adults, promoting emotional well-being.
Pupils are provided with numerous opportunities to enrich their learning experiences and explore their interests. The school encourages participation in a variety of clubs, activities, and leadership roles, such as sports leaders and school councillors. These roles not only enhance school life but also instill a sense of responsibility and community involvement. Pupils engage in fundraising activities and have established connections with local and global communities, further broadening their horizons.
The school emphasizes the importance of valuing diverse opinions and encourages pupils to keep an open mind. This approach helps them develop critical thinking skills and an appreciation for differing perspectives. Senior leaders set high expectations for themselves and their staff, combining ambition with kindness and understanding. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting significant improvements in their children's educational experiences.
The curriculum is designed to be aspirational and inclusive, catering for the needs of all pupils. Teachers are skilled and confident in delivering the curriculum, collaborating to enhance their subject knowledge through professional development. They ensure that learning experiences are both challenging and stimulating, regularly assessing pupils' progress to inform future teaching strategies.
Reading is prioritized as a fundamental skill that enables pupils to access the entire curriculum. The school has recently implemented a phonics program to support early readers in becoming fluent. Leaders are committed to providing staff with the necessary training to effectively deliver this program.
Pupils demonstrate determination and resilience in their learning, working well both independently and collaboratively. They appreciate the individualized support they receive, which helps them retain important knowledge across subjects. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that pupils' work consistently reflects the intended learning outcomes across all subjects.
The school is dedicated to fostering both academic and personal development, offering a wide range of opportunities for pupils to enhance their skills and experiences. Leaders promote awareness of the wider world and encourage reflection on diverse perspectives. Strong partnerships with schools in other countries, such as Tanzania, enrich pupils' cultural understanding.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, ensuring that improvement plans are ambitious and effectively implemented. The school community values the input of staff, leading to a supportive environment where educators feel appreciated and proud to be part of the school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a strong culture of safety promoted throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and address concerns, ensuring that pupils at risk receive timely support. Leaders are attentive to the community's needs and prioritize pupils' safety, including online safety.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in supporting pupils who struggle with reading and refining the curriculum to ensure all pupils achieve high standards across subjects. Overall, St Mark’s Church of England Junior School continues to provide a positive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
