St Mary’s Bluecoat CofE (VA) Primary School in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 14 and 15 November 2023. The school is recognized for its inclusive ethos, where pupils express their love for the school and appreciate the kindness of their friends and teachers. The nurturing environment created by skilled and caring staff supports most pupils in achieving well. The school promotes values such as perseverance, compassion, and respect, which help students become considerate members of the school community. Behaviour in lessons and during social times is commendable, with pupils playing kindly together and understanding the concept of bullying. Incidents of bullying are rare, and the school promptly addresses any issues that arise, contributing to a sense of safety and well-being among pupils.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for ukulele, Lego, and football, which are popular among students. Pupils also enjoy various trips, with older students looking forward to a residential visit. The school has designed a well-structured curriculum that outlines what pupils are expected to learn and remember, starting from the Nursery class. Reading is prioritized, with staff receiving regular training to effectively deliver the phonics program. Pupils read books that align with their phonics lessons, and staff carefully monitor their understanding, providing support to address any learning gaps. This approach helps pupils develop essential reading skills, and the curriculum emphasizes stories and poems, fostering enthusiasm for reading.
The school effectively supports teachers in meeting the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff are knowledgeable about their pupils and provide necessary adaptations and interventions, enabling SEND pupils to access the same learning as their peers and make good progress. Leaders ensure that staff possess the subject knowledge required to teach the core curriculum effectively, revisiting important information to reinforce pupils' understanding. However, the curriculum in some foundation subjects is new, and teaching in these areas does not always align with the school’s intentions. Occasionally, teachers do not check pupils’ prior learning thoroughly enough, leading to unnoticed misconceptions that hinder some pupils' understanding of new concepts.
The school has established clear behaviour expectations, which pupils respond to positively. Most students are focused and eager to learn, while staff manage the behaviour of those who struggle with kindness and sensitivity. The school collaborates closely with families to improve attendance rates, which have shown significant improvement. The curriculum also educates pupils about different cultures and religions, fostering respect and equality. Pupils engage in various leadership roles, including sports leaders and school councillors, and have successfully participated in initiatives like creating a new school garden.
There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, who appreciate the consideration given to their well-being and workload. Governors are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for development, holding leaders accountable for maintaining high standards. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to ensure that the new curriculum in foundation subjects is implemented effectively, allowing pupils to consistently learn the intended knowledge. Additionally, the use of assessment in some subjects needs to be enhanced to identify gaps in learning more effectively. Overall, St Mary’s Bluecoat CofE Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
