Great Marsden St John’s Primary School, a Church of England Academy located in Nelson, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. The headteacher, Michaela Underwood, leads the school, which is part of the Cidari Multi Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Peter Ashworth and a board of trustees chaired by John McClelland. The school fosters a happy and welcoming environment where staff maintain high expectations for all pupils. This supportive atmosphere encourages students to strive for their best and feel comfortable making mistakes.
Pupils at Great Marsden St John’s Primary School experience strong progress through the curriculum, typically achieving well. The school emphasizes building strong relationships among students, with initiatives such as pairing early years children with Year 6 mentors. The lunchtime ‘family dining’ approach promotes interaction across year groups, allowing older pupils to model positive behavior for younger ones. The school ethos is upheld by pupils who demonstrate kindness and respect towards one another.
The school offers a diverse range of activities that enhance physical fitness, with sport leaders organizing games during lunchtime to promote movement and teamwork. Pupils also have opportunities to engage in unique sports such as curling, archery, and laser-tag, alongside traditional activities like choir, which is open to all students who enjoy singing.
Great Marsden St John’s Primary School excels in equipping its staff with expertise to promote learning effectively. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is structured to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that learning is progressive and coherent. Teachers receive training to enhance their subject knowledge, and high-quality resources are made available to support lesson planning and delivery, positively impacting both teacher workload and pupil learning.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading from the start of the Reception year, encouraging pupils to explore a wide range of texts. Parents and carers are invited to participate in ‘stay and read’ sessions, fostering a love for reading among students. Most pupils quickly develop the skills necessary to become confident readers, supported by well-trained staff in phonics instruction.
Parents appreciate the strong pastoral care provided by the school, as staff are attentive to the needs of pupils and their families. Early years staff build strong relationships with children, helping them feel secure in the school environment. The school has effective systems in place to support pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language, ensuring they progress through the curriculum successfully.
Improving attendance is a priority for school leaders, who actively address barriers to attendance and seek external support when necessary. The school promotes positive behavior through a common approach among staff, helping pupils understand the importance of good conduct for a conducive learning environment.
The school’s program for wider development includes teaching pupils about various religious and cultural groups, fostering respect and appreciation for diversity. Trustees and governors possess a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, using this knowledge to support leaders in enhancing the educational experience for pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Great Marsden St John’s Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on identifying and addressing gaps in pupils’ knowledge to enhance their learning experience. Overall, Great Marsden St John’s Primary School continues to provide a good quality of education, nurturing a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
