Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Catholic Primary School in Ellesmere Port
St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School is a voluntary aided institution rooted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, serving children aged 4 to 11 within a nurturing Christian environment. Established in 1973, our mission is to cultivate academic excellence while fostering spiritual growth, guided by core values of love, mercy, and justice. Our curriculum, aligned with the National Curriculum, is designed to be cumulative and inclusive, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND or disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve their God-given potential. Recognised by Ofsted as a 'Good' school with 'Outstanding' personal development provision, we prioritise high-quality teaching, cultural capital enrichment, and a holistic approach to education.Our dedicated staff, modern facilities, and strong community partnerships create a dynamic learning environment where every child is valued. We offer wraparound care through our 'Little Angels' preschool and after-school clubs, alongside Forest School programmes that connect learning to nature. As a beacon of Catholic education, we welcome families of all faiths, promoting tolerance and understanding through interfaith studies and global citizenship. Our commitment to safeguarding, mental health support, and parental engagement ensures a well-rounded, supportive educational experience.
Services
Primary Education
Preschool Care
Forest School
Special Educational Needs Support
Wraparound Care
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have 50 years of experience delivering Catholic education with a focus on spiritual and academic growth
- Our curriculum is designed to build cultural capital through Forest School and local history studies
- We received Ofsted's highest rating for personal development provision in 2020
- Our staff include Mental Health First Aid trained professionals and specialist SEND support
- We offer unique enrichment opportunities including a three-year residential programme
What people say
Excellent education
Dedicated staff
Outstanding personal development
Engaging curriculum
Strong safeguarding
Services
Primary Education
Our Catholic primary education combines National Curriculum requirements with spiritual development. Children aged 4-11 receive tailored instruction in core subjects while learning Gospel values. The curriculum includes cultural enrichment through local history studies and international perspectives, with specialist support for SEND pupils and disadvantaged learners.
Forest School
Forest School programmes develop appreciation for nature and risk management skills. Children engage in hands-on woodland activities that complement classroom learning. Sessions include seasonal clothing guidance and safety protocols, with trips to local beauty spots like Rivacre Valley enhancing curriculum topics.
Preschool Care
Little Angels preschool provides high-quality early education for children aged 2-4. The programme prepares children for school through play-based learning while offering wraparound care. Ofsted-registered with a family atmosphere, it shares school facilities and follows the same Catholic values.
Special Educational Needs Support
We provide tailored support for pupils with special educational needs through dedicated staff and adaptive teaching. Our SENCO works with parents and external agencies to create individualised learning plans. The school has specialist mental health resources and a Learning Mentor with psychology expertise.
Wraparound Care
Daily breakfast clubs and after-school provision operate from 8am-6pm, including holiday periods. These services offer structured activities and homework support while accommodating working families. The programme maintains continuity with school values and safeguarding standards.
People
Mrs Helen Thorpe
Headteacher
With extensive leadership experience, Mrs Thorpe oversees all aspects of school operations. She champions the Catholic ethos while ensuring academic excellence. Her vision focuses on nurturing potential through a balanced curriculum and strong community partnerships.
Mr M Campbell
Deputy Headteacher
Mr Campbell supports teaching standards and curriculum implementation across key stages. He works closely with staff to maintain high expectations for pupil achievement and behaviour, ensuring consistent application of school policies.
Miss Hennessy
Learning Mentor
A former teaching assistant with psychology qualifications, Miss Hennessy provides mental health support and ELSA interventions. She helps pupils overcome learning barriers through tailored strategies, working closely with families and teaching staff.
Questions
What are your admission criteria?
We accept applications at any time during the school year. As a Catholic school, priority is given to Catholic children, though we welcome applications from all faiths and none.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO coordinates tailored support plans, with specialist staff like our Mental Health First Aid-trained Learning Mentor. We use adaptive teaching and early intervention strategies for SEND pupils.
What extracurricular activities do you offer?
We provide Forest School programmes, sports partnerships with local teams, cultural visits, and a three-year residential programme. After-school clubs cover arts, sports, and academic enrichment.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain regular communication through parent evenings, newsletters, and our website. Parents receive curriculum information packs and can access paper copies of online materials at the school office.
What is your safeguarding approach?
Safeguarding is paramount. All staff undergo regular training, with designated leads for child protection. We follow strict procedures for online safety, attendance monitoring, and preventing radicalisation.
How do you teach religious education?
RE follows the Diocese of Shrewsbury's guidelines, focusing on Catholic teachings while exploring other world faiths. Non-Catholic children participate fully except in sacramental preparation, which requires parental commitment.
