St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a larger than average primary school located in Madeley, Telford, Shropshire. The school has experienced significant growth in recent years and serves a diverse student body, predominantly of White British heritage. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is notably above the national average, while the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is below average. The leadership team, including the headteacher, has been in place since the last inspection in June 2014 and has made considerable strides in improving the quality of education.
The school has been rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior, welfare, and outcomes for pupils. Leaders have established a clear vision for the school, which is reflected in the high expectations set for both staff and students. The governing body is actively involved in supporting the school and ensuring accountability for pupil outcomes. Parents and carers express high levels of satisfaction with the school, noting that their children feel safe and well cared for.
The quality of teaching is consistently good, with teachers employing a variety of strategies to engage pupils and enhance their learning experiences. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work and demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. The curriculum is broad and balanced, providing students with a range of experiences that contribute to their academic and personal development. Reading is a particular strength, with effective phonics instruction leading to high levels of achievement in early years and key stage one.
Pupils' behavior is outstanding, with a strong emphasis on personal development and welfare. The school promotes a culture of respect, resilience, responsibility, and reflection, which is evident in the way pupils conduct themselves in and out of the classroom. The school has implemented effective strategies to address any behavioral issues, resulting in a significant reduction in exclusions and incidents of bullying.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas for improvement. While many pupils are making good progress, some of the most able pupils are not consistently achieving the higher standards they are capable of. Leaders have identified the need to provide more opportunities for these pupils to excel. Additionally, the progress of disadvantaged pupils is improving, but there is still work to be done to ensure their attainment matches that of their peers.
The early years provision is also rated as good, with children making strong progress from their starting points. The teaching in early years is effective, and children thrive in a nurturing environment that promotes their development. Transition arrangements are well established, ensuring that children settle smoothly into school life.
In summary, St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a good school that is committed to continuous improvement. The leadership team is focused on ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential, and the supportive environment fosters positive relationships among pupils, staff, and parents. The school is well positioned to build on its successes and address the areas identified for further development.
