St Mary’s CofE Aided Primary School in Horsham, West Sussex, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection in January 2019. The headteacher and leadership team have made significant improvements in a short time, demonstrating a strong commitment to providing quality education. The governors work collaboratively with the headteacher, sharing a vision to enhance educational standards for all pupils, which has led to continuous improvement within the school.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is rated as good, with well-planned lessons that engage pupils effectively. Students enjoy their learning experiences and maintain positive relationships with staff. The curriculum is diverse, covering a wide range of subjects and fostering the development of subject-specific skills and knowledge. Notably, there has been a marked improvement in pupils' outcomes, particularly in mathematics, where more students are achieving better results.
In the early years, children receive a good standard of education, supported by strong communication with parents. The personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils are outstanding, characterized by respectful relationships among students and between pupils and staff. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school's leadership and the quality of education their children receive.
Despite the positive aspects, the school recognizes the need for further improvement, particularly in enhancing writing outcomes and ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) make sufficient progress to catch up with their peers. The leadership team is focused on addressing these areas to strengthen overall pupil progress.
The effectiveness of leadership and management is deemed good, with leaders identifying correct priorities for improvement and making significant strides in enhancing educational standards. Staff morale is high, and professional development opportunities are valued. The curriculum is broad and motivating, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, with a strong emphasis on the school’s Christian values.
Governance is effective, with knowledgeable governors who support and challenge school leaders to ensure ongoing improvement. They are well-trained and fulfill their statutory duties diligently, maintaining oversight of safeguarding policies and procedures.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safety within the school. Staff are well-trained and understand their responsibilities, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school has established effective communication with parents regarding their children's progress and well-being.
Pupils demonstrate good outcomes across various subjects, with improvements noted in mathematics and reading. They engage in a breadth of learning experiences, developing historical and scientific skills through hands-on investigations. The school fosters a love of reading, with a well-resourced library that supports literacy development.
Overall, St Mary’s CofE Aided Primary School is a good school with a strong foundation for continued improvement. The leadership team is committed to enhancing teaching and learning, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve their full potential. The positive relationships within the school community contribute to a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for further development, ensuring that it continues to provide a high-quality education for all its students.
