St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection in June 2018. The leadership team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, has effectively raised expectations for both staff and students, leading to significant improvements in the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. Most pupils are making good progress, including those with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The governing body is knowledgeable and committed, providing effective support and challenge to school leaders.
The curriculum is well-rounded, offering a variety of clubs and trips that enhance pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Early years provision is also rated as good, with children making progress from lower starting points. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding bullying and leadership. Inspectors found that while most pupils feel confident that bullying is dealt with effectively, there is a small minority whose behavior does not meet the school's high standards. Attendance rates, although improving, remain above the national average, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
Pupils' progress at the end of key stage two improved in 2017, but the proportion achieving expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics was lower than the national average. Current pupils are making less progress in writing compared to reading and mathematics, as teachers do not consistently provide opportunities for writing practice in various contexts. To further improve, the school needs to enhance the quality of teaching and ensure that all teachers support the development of writing skills across different subjects.
The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders regularly monitoring the quality of teaching and using this information to drive improvements. The curriculum is appropriately challenging, and pupils enjoy practical activities in subjects like science and physical education. The management of teachers' performance is rigorous, with leaders identifying training needs and holding staff accountable for pupil progress. The school effectively uses additional funding, such as the sports premium and pupil premium, to support disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
The school has made significant strides since becoming an academy, with improvements in attendance and a reduction in exclusions. However, leaders acknowledge that further work is needed to engage with the wider community and address parental concerns regarding behavior and bullying. The local governing body provides a balance of support and challenge, ensuring that the school maintains high standards.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with thorough checks on the suitability of adults working with children. Staff receive regular training on safeguarding issues, and concerns are monitored closely. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment has improved, with teachers demonstrating good subject knowledge and providing appropriately challenging learning experiences. The teaching of reading is effective, with pupils developing strong phonics skills.
In summary, St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is a good school with effective leadership, a supportive curriculum, and a commitment to improving pupil outcomes. While there are areas for further development, particularly in writing and attendance, the school is well-positioned to continue its progress and enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
