St Mary's C of E is a highly inclusive and aspirational school..."

The inspector had a very positive day visiting St Mary’s and was exceptionally positive about all of the children, staff and parents/carers that he had the pleasure to meet.

The inspection outcome states that St Mary’s C of E Primary Academy is living up to its foundations as a Church school. 

• Leaders know and understand the community well and have embedded a vision that encourages everyone to aim high
• Collective worship makes a significant impact on how pupils understand and live out the school’s vision and values
• The school is highly inclusive – adults know pupils well and provide the right care and support so that they feel valued and can thrive
• The Collaborative Learning Trust provides effective support
• Leaders have built strong, effective relationships across the school – this proactive approach directly improves mental health and wellbeing
• Leaders create thoughtful environments that help pupils settle in and feel safe
• The school has established a clear approach to behaviour that helps pupils make positive choices and build respectful relationships
• Pupils speak with passion about their school and show deep awareness of values that matter
• The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, encourage deep thinking and celebrate individual strengths
• RE is taught effectively; pupils make sustained progress and are proud of their learning

The full report is available on the school website: St Mary's SIAMS Report May 2025

Head of School Jessica Crisp said "I would like to thank all of our children who met with the inspector during the day, who welcomed him so warmly to St Mary’s and who shared their views about the school so positively, confidently and passionately. The inspector visited Collective Worship and many different lessons and he was outside at playtime and lunchtime. He also met with several groups of children during the day to find out more about their views and experiences of our school and their RE lessons. I would also like to thank our Parents and Carers and Staff for working in partnership every day and enabling all our children to flourish and to let their lights shine, whether of Christian faith, another faith or no faith. This report is a great acknowledgement of the very wonderful work that happens here each day and reminds us all of what a brilliant school St Mary’s is."

CEO of the Collaborative Learning Trust, Janet Sheriff, said “I am thrilled with the outcome of the recent SIAMS inspection at St Mary’s. The report clearly recognises how the school’s Christian vision has inspired meaningful action, resulting in a ‘highly inclusive and aspirational school’. It was particularly heartening to hear the inspector commend the positive impact of the curriculum and enrichment activities, and how these support both pupils and adults to flourish. I am immensely proud of the staff at St Mary’s and in the Trust Central Team for their dedication and hard work, which have been rightly acknowledged through this success.”