St. Mary’s Catholic Junior School, located in Croydon, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 12 and 13, 2023. The headteacher, Andrew McDonald, leads the school, which is part of the St Mary’s Catholic Primary Schools Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Linda O’Callaghan and a board of trustees chaired by Marcella Touray. The school community is described as friendly, with pupils expressing enjoyment in being part of the ‘St Mary’s family.’ High expectations are set for all students, who are encouraged to be kind and strive for excellence in their studies. The pupils respond positively to these expectations, demonstrating attentiveness to their teachers and a commitment to their learning.
The school offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with careful consideration given to the knowledge pupils should acquire over time. For instance, art lessons in Year 3 focus on proportion, which prepares students for more advanced techniques in Year 4. Mathematics instruction emphasizes various methods of representing numbers, aiding students in handling larger calculations in subsequent years. However, there are areas where the curriculum has been revised, and some teaching resources do not effectively support the learning of key knowledge, leading to a focus on completing tasks rather than understanding underlying concepts.
Pupils benefit from enriching opportunities, including weekly swimming lessons and after-school clubs. Educational outings to museums enhance their learning experiences, covering topics such as animals, dinosaurs, and fossils. The school promotes a sense of responsibility among students, with roles such as school council members and Year 6 prayer partners who assist younger pupils in their transition to the school. Parents and carers appreciate the school’s efforts to foster a family atmosphere and ensure inclusivity through regular communication and community events.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The curriculum is well-structured, but in some subjects, the focus on activities can overshadow the essential knowledge that students need to learn. This can result in gaps in understanding, as pupils may complete tasks without fully grasping the concepts behind them. The school is encouraged to enhance its teaching methods to ensure that pupils retain important knowledge effectively.
The school prioritizes reading, providing daily story times and phonics support for those who need it. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified promptly, and the school seeks external support when necessary. The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, allowing these pupils to participate fully in the same learning experiences as their peers.
Attendance is generally high, and the school has systems in place to support students whose attendance may need improvement. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is emphasized through taught sessions and assemblies, where they learn about current affairs and British values. Leaders engage effectively with staff, considering their workload, and the governing body works closely with the school to fulfill its responsibilities.
The safeguarding arrangements at St. Mary’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to improve its systems for monitoring and recording information to better identify areas for further development. Overall, St. Mary’s Catholic Junior School continues to provide a good education, with a strong sense of community and commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
