St Martin’s Primary School is a larger-than-average primary school located in Hereford, Herefordshire. The school has made significant improvements since its last inspection, moving from a status of requiring improvement to being rated as good overall. The leadership team, under the headteacher, has demonstrated outstanding effectiveness, inspiring staff to share a vision of high expectations. This collaborative approach has fostered a strong community ethos, with parents actively involved and supportive of the school’s initiatives.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is consistently good across both key stages and subjects. Teachers possess excellent subject knowledge and deliver engaging lessons that meet the diverse needs of pupils. The curriculum is well-planned, allowing pupils to develop their skills systematically. However, there is a recognition that a minority of the most-able pupils do not make the expected progress, particularly in writing, indicating a need for more challenging instruction for these students.
Pupils’ personal development, behavior, and welfare are also rated as good. The school promotes a caring and supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued. They are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards learning and are well-prepared for future educational challenges. The school has implemented effective strategies to support pupils’ well-being, including a range of extracurricular activities that enhance their learning experiences.
Attendance is generally high, although there are some concerns regarding a small number of pupils who do not attend regularly enough. The school is actively working to improve attendance by engaging with parents and providing support to those in need. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, make good progress. The school effectively utilizes additional funding to support these groups, resulting in positive outcomes.
In the early years provision, children make outstanding progress. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of young learners, and strong leadership ensures that children develop curiosity and a love for learning. The staff’s deep understanding of early childhood education allows them to create an engaging and nurturing environment where children thrive.
The school’s safeguarding measures are robust and effective, ensuring that pupils are well-protected and supported. Leaders prioritize the safety and welfare of all students, fostering a culture of vigilance and care. The governing body is skilled and committed, working closely with school leaders to monitor and evaluate the school’s performance. They have established successful collaborations with other local schools, enhancing the sharing of best practices and resources.
Overall, St Martin’s Primary School has made commendable strides in improving its educational offerings. The combination of strong leadership, effective teaching, and a supportive community has created an environment where pupils can flourish academically and personally. The school is well-positioned to continue its journey of improvement, with clear strategies in place to address areas for further development, particularly in challenging the most-able pupils and enhancing attendance. The commitment to fostering a positive learning environment ensures that all pupils are prepared for their next steps in education.
