St Mary's Catholic Primary School

Catholic Schools Inspection - Rated 'OUTSTANDING'

The school was inspected by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate of behalf of the Archbishop John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark in July 2024.

St. Mary’s is an 'outstanding' Catholic primary school. It is a warm, prayerful school. Pupils love this nurturing ‘school family’. In all they do, their joy abounds. They describe the school as a second family in which people genuinely want the best for others. A parent said, ‘St. Mary’s provides a supportive and caring atmosphere for my son, where the school’s fundamental values are upheld in everyday actions’.

The mission statement, ‘to be the best we can be’, is supported by key values of love, faith and resilience. It is a lived expression of the school’s mission to serve. Pupils understand that this means following Mary in saying yes to God. Staff totally embrace the mission of the school by looking after each other and with profound pastoral love and care for all pupils

The headteacher and senior leaders are excellent role models and are motivated and enthusiastic about the journey that the school is on. The impact of this leadership is evident across the school with staff and pupils mirroring the outstanding examples that have been given to them.

Pupils thoroughly enjoy their religious education lessons. They engage from the outset, firstly in prayer and then by happily learning throughout. Excellent collaboration and mutual respect enable each pupil to try and be the best they can be. Behaviour in lessons is exemplary as a result. Pupils appreciate a range of activities and respond well when opportunities to extend their learning arise.

Through the provision of a wide range of prayer opportunities, it is evident that prayer and liturgy are a natural part of life in this deeply spiritual family. The detailed program of religious experiences ensures prayer is a way of life for pupils. In all gatherings, whether as a school or a class, there is always a clear purpose and message which enables pupils to grow in their understanding of how to pray and the value of prayer.

OFSTED Inspection - Rated 'GOOD'

The school had a Section 5 inspection conducted by OFSTED in December 2021.

St Mary’s is a very positive, nurturing place built on mutual respect. Pupils enjoy coming to school. Parents and carers confirm this. A comment, typical of the many received, sums it up well: ‘A very happy, secure setting in which my daughter is really thriving’.

The mission statement, ‘To be the best that we can be’, is embodied by staff. Pupils thrive because the curriculum is ambitious for all. Staff ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have the same opportunities as their peers. As a result, all pupils achieve well. Pupils behave exceptionally well. Pupils concentrate well in lessons. They said that the golden rule of ‘Kind words – great choices’ supports them to make the right decisions.

A Letter from the Head Teacher 

 Our Latest OFSTED Report

 Department for Education

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http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/