Bredbury St. Mark's CofE Primary School, located in Stockport, Cheshire, has recently undergone an inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on May 21 and 22, 2024, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were also rated as good. The headteacher, Emma Harding, leads the school, which is part of the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Neil Dixon and a board of trustees chaired by John Mason.
Pupils at Bredbury St. Mark's are reported to be happy and feel a sense of belonging within the school community. They appreciate the warm and welcoming environment, which fosters inclusivity. The school has raised its expectations for pupil achievement, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities. A broad and ambitious curriculum has been developed, positively impacting pupil achievement. Generally, pupils exhibit good behavior, contributing to a conducive learning environment. They engage in various responsibilities, which helps them feel valued and trusted. The school promotes open communication, ensuring pupils know they can seek help from adults when needed, contributing to a sense of safety and readiness to learn.
Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from numerous extracurricular opportunities, including clubs, trips, and special experiences designed to enhance their learning. However, the school has faced challenges, particularly in reading and mathematics, where attainment and progress were below the national average in 2023. Factors such as staffing changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to gaps in learning. The school is actively working with the trust to strengthen subject curriculums and improve delivery methods, which is helping pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for their future education.
The curriculum is well-structured, with careful consideration of pupils' needs, including early identification of additional needs for those with SEND. Staff training has been implemented to support these pupils effectively. However, some subjects have only recently undergone curriculum revisions, leading to gaps in prior knowledge for older pupils. Occasionally, teachers may not adequately address these gaps before introducing new content, which can hinder pupil achievement.
Most staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, aiding pupil recall of new learning. However, assessment practices in a few subjects require further development to ensure that teachers can gauge long-term retention of key knowledge effectively. The curriculum is enriched with high-quality texts, and pupils are enthusiastic about the library's development and the new books available. In the early years, children quickly adapt to school routines and engage enthusiastically with their learning, although some staff may need additional training to enhance their interactions with children.
The school is committed to improving attendance and has developed effective strategies in collaboration with external agencies to support pupils and their families. The curriculum also promotes understanding and acceptance of diversity, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and well-being. The local governing board is new but has quickly gained knowledge about the school, and staff feel supported and valued.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should address knowledge gaps in older pupils, refine assessment practices in certain subjects, and ensure early years staff receive the necessary training to enhance children's learning experiences. Overall, Bredbury St. Mark's CofE Primary School is making significant strides in providing a quality education and fostering a positive learning environment for its pupils.
