Business Details
Welcome to Benhall St Marys C Of E Primary School
Welcome to Benhall St Marys C Of E Primary School, a traditional Church of England village school established over 150 years ago. Our small, close-knit community fosters personalized learning experiences, with staff who know every child and family intimately. We combine a nurturing environment with strong community ties, offering a curriculum that recognises individual circumstances while upholding high academic standards.Our historic thatched-roof building reflects our deep roots in Saxmundham, and we maintain strong partnerships with local churches and organisations. We prioritise holistic development, ensuring each child feels valued and supported to achieve their full potential within a caring, faith-based setting.
Services
Primary Education
SEND Support
Early Years Foundation Stage
School Dinners
Wraparound Care
Highlights and features
- We offer personalised learning tailored to each child's unique needs
- Our staff maintain deep knowledge of every pupil and family
- We combine traditional values with modern educational approaches
- Our strong local church partnerships enhance spiritual development
- We hold an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for educational quality
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Primary Education
We deliver a comprehensive primary education curriculum for children aged 4-11, following national standards while incorporating local context. Our teaching focuses on individual development through small class sizes and tailored learning approaches. The curriculum includes core academic subjects alongside creative arts, physical education, and Christian values education.
SEND Support
Our dedicated SEND team provides specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. We implement individualised education plans with regular progress monitoring. Our staff receive ongoing training in inclusive teaching practices, and we maintain close communication with parents and external specialists to ensure each child's needs are fully addressed.
Early Years Foundation Stage
We offer a nurturing Early Years Foundation Stage programme for children aged 4-5, focusing on play-based learning and social development. Our EYFS environment encourages exploration and creativity while building foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The curriculum prepares children for transition to Key Stage 1 through structured yet flexible learning activities.
Wraparound Care
Our wraparound care service provides supervised childcare before and after school hours. The provision includes structured activities and homework support in a safe, familiar environment. We aim to accommodate working families' schedules while maintaining continuity with our educational values and pastoral care approach.
School Dinners
We provide nutritious hot meals daily through our school catering service, following government nutritional guidelines. Menus offer balanced choices including fresh vegetables and locally sourced ingredients where possible. Our dining environment encourages social skills development alongside healthy eating habits in a welcoming atmosphere.
People
Dr Paul Parslow-Williams
Executive Headteacher
Dr Parslow-Williams leads our school with over 20 years' experience in primary education leadership. He champions inclusive learning environments and maintains strong community partnerships. His academic background includes educational leadership research at Cambridge University.
Mr Dan Millican
Head of School
Mr Millican oversees daily school operations with a focus on curriculum innovation and staff development. He has taught at Benhall for 12 years, specialising in creative learning approaches. His leadership ensures continuity between educational practice and strategic vision.
Mrs Courtney Robson
SENDCO
As Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Mrs Robson develops individualised support plans for children with additional needs. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs Coordination and works closely with parents and external specialists to maximise pupil progress.
Mrs Revell
Office Manager
Mrs Revell manages school administration with over 15 years' experience in educational support roles. She serves as the first point of contact for families, ensuring smooth communication between staff, parents, and external partners.
Miss Woodroffe
Finance & Admin Assistant
Miss Woodroffe supports school operations with financial management expertise and administrative oversight. She ensures compliance with funding requirements while assisting with day-to-day organisational needs across the school.
Questions
What age range does the school cater for?
We accept children aged 4-11 years, covering Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2.
How does the school support children with special educational needs?
Our dedicated SENDCO develops individualised education plans, with support from trained teaching assistants and regular parent consultations.
What are the school's operating hours?
The school day runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday, with wraparound care available before and after these times.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
We encourage parental involvement through regular events, volunteer opportunities, and our active PTA organisation.
What facilities does the school offer?
Our historic building includes modern classrooms, a dedicated EYFS area, outdoor learning spaces, and a thatched roof assembly hall.
How does the school handle admissions?
Admissions follow Suffolk County Council's coordinated scheme, with priority given to children from our parish and those with specific needs.
