Business Details
St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Preston
St Mary's Catholic Primary School has been nurturing young minds since its founding in 1877. Nestled in the rural village of Claughton-on-Brock, Lancashire, our school provides a welcoming, faith-based environment where every child is valued as an individual. With three dedicated classes catering to children from pre-school through Year 6, we combine academic excellence with spiritual development rooted in Catholic values. Our experienced team fosters a culture of respect, kindness, and community service, preparing students to become responsible global citizens. The school's strong ties to St Thomas the Apostle Church and the local community create a unique educational ecosystem that supports holistic growth.Our spacious grounds feature innovative learning spaces including a forest school area and outdoor classroom, enhancing experiential learning opportunities. We maintain rigorous academic standards while prioritising emotional well-being through our comprehensive safeguarding framework. Regular OFSTED inspections and adherence to national educational benchmarks ensure our continued excellence. Through partnerships with organisations like CAFOD and Mindsmatter, we provide comprehensive mental health support and global awareness programmes. Our commitment to continuous improvement is demonstrated through annual performance reviews and active parental engagement initiatives.
Services
Primary Education
Special Educational Needs
After School Clubs
Parental Workshops
Faith Development
Highlights and features
- We offer 147 years of continuous educational excellence in a Catholic setting
- Our small class sizes ensure individualised attention for every child
- We maintain strong partnerships with local churches and community organisations
- Our outdoor learning facilities include a dedicated forest school area
- We provide specialist SEND support through qualified coordinators
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
Services
Primary Education
Our primary education programme delivers the national curriculum through three dedicated classes. Acorn Class caters to pre-school and reception children, Blossom Class to Years 1-2, and Oak Class to Key Stage 2 pupils. The programme focuses on academic achievement combined with spiritual development.
Special Educational Needs
Specialist educational needs provision is coordinated by qualified SENCo staff. The programme includes individualised learning plans, specialist resources, and collaboration with external agencies. Regular progress reviews ensure tailored support for children with additional needs.
Outdoor Learning
Our outdoor learning facilities include a forest school area, adventure playground, and outdoor classroom. These spaces support cross-curricular learning through hands-on experiences that develop practical skills and environmental awareness.
Faith Development
Faith-based education follows the Lancaster Diocese curriculum. The programme includes regular worship activities, sacramental preparation, and community service projects. Students engage with Catholic social teaching through practical initiatives like CAFOD partnerships.
Parental Engagement
We offer comprehensive parental engagement through workshops, information sessions, and volunteer opportunities. The programme includes training on supporting home learning and regular communication about pupil progress and school developments.
People
Diane Ball
Headteacher
Diane Ball leads St. Mary's with over 20 years' experience in primary education. She champions inclusive learning environments and community-focused education. Her leadership prioritises both academic excellence and spiritual development.
Mr J. Gilmour
SENCo
Mr Gilmour coordinates special educational needs provision with specialist expertise. He ensures tailored support for children with additional needs through collaborative planning and external agency partnerships.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We teach children aged 3-11 across three classes: Acorns (pre-school/Reception), Blossoms (Years 1-2), and Oaks (Years 3-6).
Is religious affiliation required?
While we're a Catholic school, we welcome children from all backgrounds. Religious education follows Catholic teachings but respects diverse perspectives.
What SEND support do you offer?
Our SENCo provides specialist support including individual learning plans, access to external specialists, and regular progress reviews for children with additional needs.
How do you involve parents?
We offer regular workshops, information sessions, and volunteer opportunities. Parents receive termly progress reports and can attend scheduled consultation meetings.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our grounds feature a forest school area, adventure playground, all-weather pitch, outdoor classroom, and a Remembrance Garden with pond.
How do you support child well-being?
We provide comprehensive safeguarding, mental health resources through Mindsmatter partnerships, and a dedicated school nursing team for health and well-being support.
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