Martley C of E Primary School, located in Martley, Worcester, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 22, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Lucy Cox, the school is part of the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust, which provides additional support and oversight through its chief executive officer Claire Davies and a board of trustees chaired by Alan Soper. The executive headteacher, Elizabeth Whetham, oversees this school and another institution within the trust.
Pupils at Martley demonstrate a strong desire to learn, showing engagement and thoughtfulness in their educational pursuits. This enthusiasm is evident from the early years, where children interact positively and focus on their tasks, sharing their learning experiences through conversation and play. The school emphasizes its core values of love, learning, and service, which are reflected in the students' care for one another and their involvement in the community. Recent assessments indicate that more pupils are achieving expected standards in English and mathematics by the end of key stage two.
The school fosters a sense of maturity among its students, who understand their individuality within a diverse society. The five core values, known as the 5 Cs, are integrated into the daily lives of both staff and pupils, promoting leadership opportunities. Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating a clear understanding of appropriate conduct and healthy relationships. Older students serve as positive role models for their younger peers.
Martley C of E Primary School has effectively managed staffing changes and has established stability within its workforce. Staff members appreciate the support and development opportunities provided by school and trust leaders. The curriculum is well-structured, taking into account the mixed-age class setup, and key content is revisited in a manner that deepens understanding. The school is currently in the early stages of evaluating the effectiveness of its curriculum across various subjects.
Teachers encourage pupils to revisit prior learning, which is facilitated through engaging activities such as quizzes. This approach helps students retain knowledge and apply it to new concepts. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with effective phonics instruction ensuring that pupils develop strong reading skills. Those requiring additional support are quickly identified and assisted, allowing them to catch up with their peers.
The school has made significant strides in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are proactive in recognizing when a child needs extra help and involve parents and relevant professionals promptly. This commitment ensures that all pupils have access to the full curriculum and achieve positive outcomes.
Beyond academics, pupils have numerous opportunities to embody the school's values through community engagement, such as performing for local residents and participating in charitable initiatives. Parents generally express satisfaction with the education and support their children receive.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in developing monitoring systems for the curriculum. Leaders need to enhance their understanding of what requires improvement to further elevate the quality of education. Additionally, middle leaders should deepen their knowledge of how early years learning supports subsequent stages to ensure effective teaching practices across the school. Overall, Martley C of E Primary School is committed to continuous improvement while maintaining a strong foundation for its pupils' education and well-being.
