St Martin’s Academy Chester

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils make outstanding progress from the outset. No stone is left unturned in the drive to ensure children begin to develop into well-rounded young people. Teaching over time is strong and leads to exceptional outcomes for pupils.

Excellent teamwork between teachers and teaching assistants is the key to ensuring that the specific needs of pupils are met very effectively. The school is led by a strong headteacher. She has a clear vision of high quality education built around British values of care, tolerance and respect.

Without exception, everyone involved in running the academy is passionate about establishing a learni...ng community where pupils' self-esteem and self-confidence can flourish. Governance is strong. Governors have been resolute in their determination to ensure solid foundations are laid for the future development of the academy.

Strong links with partner schools have led to the academy's self-evaluation being focused sharply on how pupils' outcomes can be enhanced. The extended school day allows the academy to provide a broad range of curriculum enhancement activities which add significantly to the development of pupils' core skills. High quality technology can be seen throughout the school.

Computers and tablets are used as tools for learning rather than tools for teaching. Pupils' progress in subjects such as art, music and French is often on a par with their excellent progress in the core skills of English and mathematics. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is developed well because this aspect is woven seamlessly into the academy's values and throughout its rich curriculum.

Pastoral care for pupils is outstanding and is focused on managing the individual needs of pupils very well. Strong systems have been put in place to keep pupils as safe as possible. Pupils behave exceptionally well throughout the day.

Their outstanding behaviour contributes strongly to their rapid progress. Pupils exude confidence and excitement for learning. Respect for and tolerance of one another are cornerstones of each pupil's personal development.

The views of parents are paramount at every stage of the academy's development. Communication with parents is a strength of the academy. Progress in the early years is rapid because : everything that is exceptional about the academy is also encapsulated in this aspect of its provision.

Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education. Many pupils in both the Reception class and Year 1 are already working at levels well above those expected for their age.

Information about this school

St.

Martin's Academy Chester opened as a Free School in September 2013. St. Martin's is a stand-alone academy that works closely with The Delamere Church of England Academy to share services through the North West Academy Trust.

The academy is a school for children between the ages of four and 11 years. It is currently smaller than other primary schools. At the time of the inspection, there were 50 pupils on roll in two classes: the Reception class and Year 1.

A very small proportion of pupils are disadvantaged and are supported by pupil premium funding (additional government funding to provide support for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and for those looked after by the local authority). The vast majority of pupils are White British and speak English as their first language. The ratio of boys to girls is broadly equal.

No pupils on roll are disabled and none have been identified as having any special educational needs. The school provides a breakfast club from 8.00 am each morning.

The school day operates from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm each day.