St Thomas and St Anne CofE Primary School in Shrewsbury has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 8, 2023. The school provides a safe and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and secure. Leaders and staff are approachable and maintain high expectations for all students, encouraging them to strive for their best. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive.
Pupils exhibit kindness towards one another and demonstrate good behavior both in lessons and throughout the school. The staff's caring approach fosters a respectful atmosphere, which in turn encourages pupils to treat each other with kindness. Any instances of bullying are addressed promptly by staff, contributing to a positive school culture where pupils feel part of a supportive community. The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its rules of being ready, respectful, and safe, which pupils embrace wholeheartedly, describing the school as a large family.
The curriculum at St Thomas and St Anne is engaging and well-structured, allowing pupils to learn effectively in mixed-age classes. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities that enrich the pupils' educational experience. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the care and ambition shown by the leadership and staff. All surveyed parents would recommend the school to others.
The school excels in providing a well-organized and ambitious curriculum that covers all subjects in the national curriculum. Leaders and staff clearly outline learning objectives and regularly assess pupils' understanding during lessons. They also create opportunities for pupils to revisit and reinforce important knowledge. However, there is room for improvement in assessing pupils' retention and application of knowledge at the end of topics.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, benefiting from attentive care and support. Staff model positive language and behavior, helping children develop independence and settle into school life. The school emphasizes phonics from an early age, enabling pupils to become confident readers. In mathematics, staff provide frequent opportunities for pupils to recall and apply their learning, fostering a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
Pupils are generally attentive and hardworking, with minimal disruption during lessons. The school promotes a range of activities that support pupils' broader development, including links with the local church and various clubs and trips that enhance their learning experiences. The school community is inclusive, welcoming all pupils and effectively supporting those with special educational needs.
Leaders prioritize staff well-being, managing workloads effectively and fostering a supportive team environment. The governing body plays an active role in ensuring the school remains on a solid footing, fulfilling its statutory duties competently. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training to maintain vigilance and ensure pupil safety. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support for pupils.
While the school has many strengths, it must focus on improving the assessment of learning in some foundation subjects and continue to enhance writing skills, particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders are encouraged to monitor the effectiveness of their strategies to ensure all pupils make progress in writing. Overall, St Thomas and St Anne CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a nurturing environment for all its pupils.
