St Mary and St Giles Church of England School, located in Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening in March 2021. The inspection, conducted on 27 and 28 February 2024, resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Adam Palmer, leads the school, which is part of the Inspiring Futures Through Learning trust, overseen by CEO Sarah Bennett and chaired by Marilyn Hubbard.
Pupils at the school enjoy a positive learning environment characterized by an ambitious curriculum designed to promote high achievement. Teachers effectively adapt their teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This inclusive approach fosters enthusiasm for learning among pupils, with rare instances of low-level behaviour reported. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, clearly communicating these to students and modeling the desired conduct. Consequently, pupils understand the importance of behaving well, contributing to a respectful and happy school community.
Safety is a priority at St Mary and St Giles, with bullying being infrequent. Pupils feel secure and are aware that they can approach adults with any concerns, confident that their issues will be taken seriously. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, ensuring that all pupils, particularly those with additional needs or from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to these opportunities.
Recent improvements in the school have positively impacted pupil achievement and welfare, particularly for those with special educational needs and other disadvantaged students. However, published outcomes for 2023 do not fully reflect the progress of current pupils, as those who recently left the school did not benefit from the recent enhancements in curriculum and teaching. The school has developed a well-structured curriculum, with staff trained to deliver it effectively, resulting in good-quality learning experiences for pupils. While most subjects show that pupils retain knowledge over time, some areas require further attention to strengthen connections between new and prior learning.
The teaching of early reading is a strong point, with all pupils receiving effective instruction to become fluent readers. Additional support is prioritized for new pupils and those struggling with reading, leading to good progress in this area. The school accurately identifies pupils with special educational needs and provides appropriate support, ensuring they achieve comparably to their peers.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour in lessons and throughout the school, quickly engaging in their learning. The school emphasizes the importance of regular attendance, resulting in strong and improving attendance rates. Shared values of responsibility, love, thankfulness, wisdom, and kindness are integral to the school culture, promoting responsible citizenship among pupils. The school community fosters mutual respect and celebrates diversity, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Leadership at all levels is committed to continuous improvement, with a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. To further enhance educational outcomes, the school aims to implement strategies that help pupils retain knowledge over time and strengthen the curriculum to support this goal. Overall, St Mary and St Giles Church of England School provides a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment for its pupils.
