Mereside Church of England Primary Academy is a supportive and caring school located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The recent inspection conducted on March 19 and 20, 2024, reaffirmed the school's overall judgement of good, although it was noted that the grade might not be as high if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The school is led by Executive Principal Laura Hopley and is part of St Chad’s Academies Trust, which provides additional support and oversight.
Pupils at Mereside express that their teachers are kind and dedicated to their learning, emphasizing the school's core value of love. The school fosters strong relationships between staff and students, promoting a culture of community, wisdom, hope, dignity, joy, and peace. Pupils are motivated by the opportunity to earn heart pin badges for demonstrating the school's values, and parents generally have a positive view of the school's commitment to their children's well-being.
Recent leadership changes have brought about significant improvements in various aspects of the school. New leaders have established high expectations for student behavior, which has resulted in positive responses from pupils. The school has implemented stronger behavior systems, and students exhibit good behavior both in classrooms and throughout the school environment. They also enjoy engaging activities provided by sports coaches during recess.
While pupils show enthusiasm for their learning and can articulate their recent educational experiences, there are concerns regarding retention of knowledge in some subjects. The curriculum is designed to build on prior learning, but there are instances where pupils struggle to remember important information over time. The school has made strides in developing a phonics curriculum, with staff receiving training to enhance their teaching methods. However, some staff members still lack expertise in delivering this program effectively, which can hinder the progress of certain pupils.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of school life. Their needs are quickly identified, and appropriate support is provided, including tailored assistance for those with social and emotional challenges. However, there are occasions when the work assigned to these pupils does not fully meet their needs, limiting their potential for progress.
Mereside offers a variety of extracurricular activities and opportunities for pupils to take on responsibilities, such as serving as school councillors or sports leaders. These roles are taken seriously by students, who feel they contribute positively to the school environment. The local academy committee is supportive of the school, although it is still developing a comprehensive understanding of the school's performance and curriculum to effectively hold leaders accountable.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mereside are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to continue improving its phonics program by providing consistent training for all staff and ensuring that activities across the curriculum support long-term retention of knowledge. Additionally, the school should focus on adapting lessons to better meet the needs of pupils with SEND, ensuring they can achieve their full potential. The recent changes in governance present an opportunity for the committee to enhance its understanding of the school's effectiveness and to provide robust oversight moving forward. Overall, Mereside Church of England Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to nurturing a positive learning environment while addressing areas for improvement.
