St Mary’s Primary School hailed for its “fully inclusive learning community” in excellent inspection report

A local primary school has been hailed as “excellent” by inspectors.

St Mary’s R.C. Primary School, located on Lea Road in the town centre, was found to be either excellent or good in the five inspection areas recently examined by Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.

A report published by the inspectorate described the school as a “fully inclusive learning community where pupils from many cultures thrive harmoniously together.”

It adds that “staff and pupils create a very caring and supportive environment for all members of the school community to share and enjoy”, something which is “evident in the life and work of the school, for instance in the exemplary behaviour of nearly all pupils.”

During their visit inspectors found the school’s standards, well-being an attitudes to learning and leadership and management as excellent.

In terms of the well-being and attitudes to learning at St Mary’s R.C. Primary School, Estyn say: “With very few exceptions, pupils throughout the school show excellent attitudes to their learning.

“All pupils contribute to determining what they want to learn, as part of the innovative, personalised curriculum. This has a huge impact on pupils’ self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning in nearly all classes.

“Pupils are proud that their school is a multi-national, inclusive community. As a result, pupils from many cultures thrive harmoniously together.

“Many older pupils develop their understanding of their place and responsibility in the world effectively through networking with local, national and international schools.

Both teaching and learning experiences along with care, support and guidance at the school were both found to be good by inspectors

Only one recommendation for improvement was put to the school, which is to address a health and safety issue that was raised during the inspection.

The school will now draw up an action plan to address the recommendation from Estyn.

Estyn’s report adds: “Although many pupils arrive at the school with a very limited level of English language acquisition, nearly all pupils leave the school with standards at or above those normally found for their age.

“The progress that more able pupils make in English is well above expectations.

“Many pupils take an active role in a wide range of effective pupil voice groups. As a result, they develop outstanding leadership and communication skills and high levels of confidence.

“The school’s curriculum has many strengths. A notable feature is the involvement of pupils from upper key stage 2, as key partners in planning the curriculum. This has a significant, positive impact on their self-esteem and enthusiasm for learning.

“As a result of pupils making decisions about their own learning, nearly all develop into mature, ambitious, independent learners. The headteacher and senior leaders provide the school with exceptional leadership.

“This results in continuous improvements to pupils’ wellbeing, progress and standards and in empowering staff
to contribute fully to bringing about change that benefits pupils.”