St Mark’s Church of England Primary School in Bournemouth has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on 11 and 12 October 2023. The school is led by headteacher Andrew Bright and operates as a single academy trust under the governance of a board of trustees chaired by Lisa McGaw. The school serves a diverse community and is committed to ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential through a well-structured curriculum that supports both academic and personal development.
Pupils at St Mark’s are at the center of a friendly and caring environment. The school emphasizes the importance of academic learning while also focusing on the wider development of its students. Parents have expressed appreciation for the support and care provided by the school, highlighting the dedication of the staff to the pupils' overall well-being. The school promotes a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to express their concerns to trusted adults.
Attendance rates are high, reflecting pupils' enjoyment of school and their engagement in a variety of extracurricular activities. The school’s values of respect, aspiration, and rejoicing are well understood by the community, fostering an environment of respect for different cultures and beliefs. Pupils are taught the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their backgrounds.
The school has set ambitious goals for its pupils and has established a clear direction for staff development through effective training programs. New teachers receive strong support, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the school’s mission. Reading is a priority, with a carefully selected range of texts that inspire a love for reading among pupils. Younger students benefit from a structured phonics program that helps them develop their reading skills effectively.
The curriculum is coherently designed to build knowledge over time, with a strong focus on mathematics and science. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding to identify and address any gaps in knowledge. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment practices in some subjects within the wider curriculum. In physical education, for instance, while prior learning is checked, misconceptions are not always addressed, leading to gaps in understanding.
The school effectively identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting learning to ensure access to the curriculum. However, some targets for these pupils are too broad, which can hinder their progress. The school has high expectations for behavior and has recently implemented a new policy that has contributed to a positive culture, resulting in a reduction in behavior incidents.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the school council, and they receive support in developing resilience and independence. They are well-informed about safety, healthy lifestyles, and online safety, which prepares them for future challenges, including the transition to secondary education.
Governance at the school is effective, with trustees providing a balance of challenge and support. They are knowledgeable about the school’s efforts to enhance the quality of education. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the precision of assessment information in the wider curriculum to address knowledge gaps effectively. Additionally, the trust should ensure that targets for pupils with special educational needs are specific and tailored to meet individual learning needs. Overall, St Mark’s Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
