Wisbech St Mary CofE Academy is a primary school located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, that has recently undergone an inspection. The school has received a rating of good across all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement.
The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences. They demonstrate excellent behaviour, showing a strong desire to engage in lessons and adhere to school rules. The atmosphere is calm, and pupils are polite and courteous, contributing to a supportive community. Older pupils take on leadership roles, helping younger students to socialize and play, which fosters a sense of responsibility and community spirit.
The curriculum at Wisbech St Mary is well-structured and effective, particularly in the early years. It is designed to be broad and allows pupils to revisit key information, although there are instances where information is not presented clearly, which can hinder some pupils' ability to recall important knowledge. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that their needs are quickly identified and addressed by well-trained staff.
Reading is a priority at the school, with a strong emphasis on phonics from the early years. Children in Nursery are introduced to sounds, preparing them for phonics sessions in Reception. Regular reading opportunities are provided, and additional support is available for those who struggle. Most pupils achieve fluency and accuracy in reading, aided by initiatives such as pupil reading ambassadors who promote literacy.
The school has established a culture of high expectations, reflected in the positive relationships between staff and pupils. This environment encourages pupils to ask questions and engage deeply with their learning. While most pupils learn effectively, there are concerns regarding attendance, with some pupils not attending regularly enough, including vulnerable groups. Leaders are aware of this issue and are taking steps to improve attendance rates.
Pupils are offered various opportunities to develop their character, including learning about healthy lifestyles and the importance of diverse family structures. The school recognizes the significance of building strong relationships with parents and provides opportunities for them to engage in their children's learning.
Leadership at Wisbech St Mary is effective, with leaders earning the trust of staff and the local community. Staff feel supported in managing their workload and have access to professional development opportunities. Most parents express satisfaction with the education their children receive, and governors play an active role in supporting school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are robust, with a culture of safeguarding embedded throughout the school community. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
To further improve, the school needs to focus on enhancing the clarity of information presented by staff to ensure all pupils can recall essential knowledge. Additionally, addressing the increasing number of pupils missing school is crucial, requiring leaders to implement more rigorous strategies to improve attendance. Overall, Wisbech St Mary CofE Academy is a well-managed school that provides a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
