St Mark’s Catholic Primary School in Ipswich was inspected on 8 and 9 February 2023, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection 15 years ago, when it was rated Outstanding. The current inspection reflects the school’s performance under the new inspection framework and acknowledges the changes that have occurred since the previous evaluation.
Pupils at St Mark’s learn in a supportive and caring environment where diversity is respected and celebrated. They express pride in the variety of backgrounds represented in their school, which enhances their understanding of the world. The school fosters a sense of safety among pupils, who feel confident in discussing any issues with adults. They are aware of the difference between bullying and normal conflicts with friends and can utilize a worry box to express their concerns.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with pupils showing enthusiasm for learning and participating actively in lessons. However, there are instances where some pupils do not listen attentively or concentrate, which can disrupt the learning process. The school offers various sporting clubs, and pupils have expressed a desire for a broader range of extracurricular activities, which the school is planning to introduce soon.
The leadership team has focused on developing an aspirational curriculum that sets high expectations for pupil achievement. Most subjects have clear curriculum plans detailing what pupils need to learn and when. However, some subjects lack clarity in their curriculum thinking, which can hinder teachers' ability to provide effective guidance. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and have adapted quickly to new curriculum programs. Regular checks on pupil learning help reinforce their understanding and confidence.
The early reading curriculum is well-structured, with a strong emphasis on language and reading development. Adults model good language use and provide additional support for pupils who fall behind. However, there are concerns regarding the matching of reading materials to pupils' phonetic knowledge, which affects the progress of some learners.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support, with leaders maintaining high expectations for their progress. The school has recently revised its behaviour policy, leading to improvements in pupil conduct. Most pupils understand the rules and the consequences of not following them, although there are inconsistencies in how staff implement the policy, leading to occasional disruptions in learning.
The school provides numerous opportunities for personal development, and pupils take pride in their roles as school councillors and road safety leaders. Leaders and governors have worked collaboratively to enhance the school’s curriculum and pupil well-being following a period of instability. They ensure that staff are supported in their roles, which is appreciated by the teaching team.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns promptly. Leaders prioritize pupil safety and work with families and external agencies to address safeguarding issues. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe in various situations, including online.
To improve, the school needs to clarify the key knowledge that pupils should learn in all subjects and ensure that reading materials are appropriately matched to pupils' phonetic knowledge. Consistent implementation of the behaviour policy by all staff is also necessary to minimize disruptions to learning. Overall, St Mark’s Catholic Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
