Bolton-on-Swale St Mary’s CofE Primary School, located in North Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 20, 2019. The school is deeply rooted in Christian values, which are central to its mission of developing the whole child. Pupils express pride in their school and demonstrate confidence in discussing important values such as respect, forgiveness, and hope. The school fosters a positive learning environment where students enjoy their education, particularly in subjects like mathematics, science, and art. Every pupil has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, with a strong emphasis on participation in the school choir and various enrichment activities. By the end of Year 6, all students have represented their school in sports, and older pupils take on buddy roles to support younger students.
Safety is a priority at the school, with pupils feeling secure and supported. Older students participate in safety events organized by local authorities, and there is a strong anti-bullying culture, with staff addressing any issues promptly. Parents and carers generally hold positive views about the school, appreciating the diverse curriculum and the supportive, family-like atmosphere. Many parents commend the emotional stability provided to their children, especially those who may have parents working away from home.
The leadership team, led by the headteacher, has established a competent group of leaders who collaborate with other schools to enhance their skills. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of pupils, encouraging critical thinking and challenging them academically. This approach has resulted in good pupil achievement across various subjects. The curriculum is designed to be creative and enriching, integrating Christian values throughout, which supports the personal development of students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs.
In mathematics, pupils demonstrate confidence in problem-solving and reasoning, achieving above-average standards by the end of Year 6. The school emphasizes daily practice of multiplication tables, which aids in developing their skills. In science, the curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge, allowing pupils to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and investigations effectively. The school has seen all pupils attain the expected standards in science by the end of Year 6.
While the school has many strengths, leaders recognize the need to further embed the curriculum design across all subjects and improve assessment practices without overburdening teachers. The early years foundation stage is strong, with children settling quickly and developing essential skills to succeed in later stages. The school prioritizes reading, with a focus on phonics instruction, ensuring that pupils develop a love for reading and achieve expected standards by Year 6. However, there has been a decline in the proportion of pupils reaching higher standards in reading, prompting leaders to enhance reading comprehension skills and support for the most able pupils.
Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders, demonstrating a clear understanding of the curriculum and the school’s strengths and areas for development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff are well-trained and aware of their responsibilities regarding child welfare, ensuring that parents feel confident in the safety of their children at school. Overall, Bolton-on-Swale St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to ongoing improvement and development.
