St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bicester has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023. The school is committed to upholding strong values and has high ambitions for all its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of students, creating an environment where they feel safe and enjoy attending school. Pupils express appreciation for the supportive staff and the uplifting atmosphere, which includes outdoor music that encourages them to engage joyfully as they arrive each day.
The school maintains high expectations for behavior, fostering a culture of kindness and respect among pupils. Instances of bullying are rare, and students feel confident that any issues will be addressed promptly by adults. The school offers numerous enrichment opportunities, including visits and extracurricular activities, which enhance the learning experience. Pupils achieve well in core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, with leaders and governors ensuring that all children are included in school life. Staff are adept at identifying the additional needs of pupils with SEND and provide tailored support to help them succeed.
Reading is a strong focus at St Mary’s, with children learning phonics from the start of Reception. The school ensures that reading materials are appropriately matched to each child's level, allowing for effective learning. Any pupils who struggle are quickly identified and given the necessary assistance to catch up. The school library is a welcoming space that offers a diverse range of books, further promoting a love for reading.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, linking early years learning with subjects taught in later years. Leaders have identified essential knowledge for all subjects, although some areas require better sequencing to help pupils connect new information with prior learning. While teachers generally present information clearly and effectively, the use of assessment to inform teaching varies across subjects. In English and mathematics, teachers successfully adapt their instruction based on pupils' understanding, but this consistency is not always evident in other subjects.
Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to learn, and the calm, purposeful atmosphere in classrooms allows them to focus on their studies. The school promotes wider development through various activities, including residential trips and creative arts, helping pupils explore their interests and talents. They also engage in community service, which fosters a sense of responsibility and understanding of societal needs.
The leadership team, including governors, is dedicated to supporting both pupils and staff. They are mindful of staff workload and maintain an open-door policy for communication. The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of safety throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil well-being.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the sequencing of the curriculum in some foundation subjects to ensure that pupils can make secure connections between concepts. Additionally, assessment information should be utilized more effectively to address gaps in knowledge promptly. Overall, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its pupils, fostering both academic success and personal development.
