Marcham Church of England Primary School, located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and nurturing environment where pupils express happiness and satisfaction with their educational experience. They describe the school as amazing, fantastic, and friendly. The staff maintain high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate good behavior and enjoy collaborative work, with rare instances of bullying effectively managed by the staff. The school fosters a sense of community, with one pupil noting that they feel like one big family.
The school’s core values of respect, friendship, compassion, responsibility, perseverance, and courage are evident in the interactions among pupils. Older students take on responsibilities during playtimes, helping younger peers with enthusiasm and kindness. Parents echo these sentiments, highlighting the school’s strong values and the positive development of their children. Pupils are actively involved in community initiatives, such as assisting at the local café and supporting the food bank, and they show enthusiasm for various extracurricular clubs, including football and art.
The leadership team has developed an ambitious curriculum that engages pupils and aims to ensure that all students, including those with SEND, achieve their best. In most subjects, teachers have implemented a well-structured curriculum that builds on prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where teaching methods are clear and effective. However, some subjects are still in the early stages of development, and the sequencing of learning in these areas is not yet fully established. This can hinder pupils' ability to connect prior and current learning, impacting their overall achievement.
The school promotes a strong reading culture, beginning in Reception, where children are surrounded by engaging books and enjoy listening to stories. A consistent approach to teaching early reading is in place, with a structured phonics program that aligns with pupils' reading abilities. Staff are well-trained to foster a love of reading, providing necessary support to help all pupils keep pace with their peers.
Pupils, including those with SEND, generally learn well, thanks to the close collaboration between leaders and early years staff in identifying children's needs. High expectations for behavior are maintained, creating a purposeful learning environment. The school offers a variety of enrichment activities, including educational visits and opportunities for pupils to learn musical instruments and participate in poetry competitions. Leadership roles, such as the school council and eco-council, allow pupils to engage actively in school life.
Governors are well-informed about the school and share the leadership's ambition for the community. Staff express satisfaction with their roles, and parents appreciate the dedication of the teaching staff. The school has effective safeguarding measures in place, ensuring that all staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Overall, Marcham Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience, although there are areas for improvement in the curriculum's implementation in certain subjects to enhance pupils' learning outcomes.
