Mercenfeld Primary School, located in Markfield, Leicestershire, has recently undergone an inspection that has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on 31 October and 1 November 2023, and the school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Kirstie Randle, leads the school, which is part of the Bradgate Education Partnership multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Gareth Nelmes and a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Cotton.
Pupils at Mercenfeld Primary School express pride in their school, highlighting various aspects they enjoy with enthusiasm. They demonstrate a strong desire to learn, actively engaging in lessons and adhering to school rules. The positive relationships between staff and students foster an environment of kindness and respect, contributing to a safe and happy atmosphere for both learning and play. The school emphasizes character development, aiming to prepare pupils for future educational stages and life beyond school. The motto striving for excellence is evident in the school's culture, with staff and pupils alike committed to achieving their best.
The school has made strides in curriculum development, with increased expectations for pupil achievement driving improvements. Curriculum plans are designed to identify essential knowledge for pupils, and each subject is led by a skilled curriculum leader. While there is ambition to enhance the curriculum further, particularly in foundation subjects, the review process is ongoing, and some subjects still require completion of their curriculum plans. Teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and understand the importance of incremental learning, as seen in subjects like physical education.
Assessment practices in English and mathematics are well-established, and the early years curriculum is effectively adapted to meet children's needs. However, there is still work to be done in foundation subjects to ensure that assessment approaches effectively address knowledge gaps and misconceptions. The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive alongside their peers.
Reading is prioritized at Mercenfeld Primary School, with pupils expressing a love for stories and books. The school fosters a reading culture, with initiatives such as class visits to the local library and student librarians managing the school library. Phonics instruction is a key focus, with targeted support provided to pupils at risk of falling behind, ensuring they develop a solid foundation for reading.
Pupils' personal development is exemplary, with a curriculum that extends beyond academics to include opportunities in music, drama, and sports. They engage in activities that promote empathy, self-awareness, and teamwork, while also learning about diverse cultures and faiths. The school community demonstrates high levels of respect and tolerance.
The local advisory board and multi-academy trust provide strong support for the school, contributing to its significant improvements. Staff express confidence in the changes made, although they note that the pace of change has impacted their well-being. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school's progress, with many praising its transformation.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mercenfeld Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is currently reviewing its curriculum in some subjects to ensure clarity in what pupils need to know and remember, with a focus on completing these reviews to meet all pupils' needs. Additionally, the school aims to establish a manageable approach to assessment in foundation subjects and to balance the ambition for improvement with staff well-being.
