St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school where all pupils flourish both academically and personally due to a strong caring ethos, high expectations and a stimulating and challenging learning environment. Achievement is outstanding.

Pupils, including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, achieve exceptionally well from starting points that are below expectations, so that by the end of Key Stage 2 attainment is above average in English, mathematics and science. Excellent tracking of pupils' progress and swift interventions for any pupils falling behind ensure that all pupils make rapid and sustained progress year on year. Outstanding teaching ensures that pupils achieve exceptionally well and th...oroughly enjoy their learning.

Teachers' excellent subject knowledge, challenging questioning and effective match of work are hallmarks of all lessons. The strong focus on independent and interdependent learning ensures pupils have high levels of resilience and the confidence to tackle challenging activities. Pupils' exemplary behaviour and excellent attitudes to their learning reflect a climate of mutual respect and a strong sense of a community with shared values.

Pupils' spiritual, moral and social development is promoted exceptionally well. Although many aspects of their cultural development are strong, their knowledge of Britain as a multicultural society is less well developed. Pupils say there is no bullying in school, only occasional friendship issues that are quickly resolved.

They say that they feel extremely safe in school and confident of adult support should they need it. The headteacher is passionate about providing the best possible education for the pupils in her care. She is extremely well supported in this by an excellent staff team whose effectiveness is underpinned by a constant drive to improve their skills through effective professional development and rigorous self-evaluation.

The monitoring of teaching and performance are excellent. An exciting, innovative curriculum provides memorable experiences for pupils and promotes their basic skills exceptionally well.

Information about the school

St Mark's is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

There is a below average proportion of pupils of minority ethnic heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, including those supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs, is average. These are mainly speech and language or specific learning difficulties.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are in a single-age class; all other pupils are in mixed-age classes. The school meets current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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