Business Details
St Mary's C Of E Primary School
St Mary's C Of E Primary School is a small, nurturing institution where every child is treated as an individual. Our vision, rooted in Christian values, encourages pupils to aspire, believe, belong, and achieve. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022, we provide an ambitious curriculum tailored to meet diverse needs, ensuring children thrive academically and personally. With a dedicated team of educators, we foster a family-like atmosphere where strong home-school relationships are prioritised. Our pupils consistently achieve above national standards in key assessments, reflecting our commitment to excellence.The school's Christian ethos, rated outstanding in its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, shapes every aspect of school life. We offer a broad curriculum enriched by specialist teaching in music, PE, and modern foreign languages. Our extended day provision, including breakfast and after-school clubs, supports working families. The school actively engages with the local community through outreach programmes and partnerships with St Mary's Church. With a focus on well-being, we provide comprehensive support for pupils' medical, social, and emotional needs.
Services
Primary Education
Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1 & 2
Special Educational Needs
After-School Care
Highlights and features
- We maintain a nurturing environment with high academic expectations.
- Our Christian ethos promotes inclusion and community engagement.
- We achieved 'Good' Ofsted rating with praise for pupil happiness.
- Our curriculum exceeds national standards in key assessments.
- We offer specialist teaching in music, PE and modern languages.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Happy pupils
Ambitious curriculum
Above-average attainment
Nurturing environment
Strong community ethos
Services
Primary Education
Our primary education programme delivers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with national standards. Children develop core skills in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy while exploring creative subjects. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention and tailored learning plans. Our approach combines structured teaching with purposeful play, particularly in early years, to foster natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Special Educational Needs
We provide specialist support for children with special educational needs through our dedicated SENCo and experienced learning support assistants. The school develops individual education plans in collaboration with parents and external agencies. Our inclusive approach ensures all children access appropriate learning opportunities while receiving targeted interventions to address specific challenges and maximise potential.
After-School Care
Our Teatime Club offers supervised after-school care until 17:30 daily. The programme includes structured activities and homework support. We also provide breakfast club from 07:45 to accommodate working families. Both clubs maintain strong staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and provide opportunities for social development through organised games and creative pursuits.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Early Years Foundation Stage nurtures children aged 3-5 through play-based learning. The curriculum develops fundamental skills in communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional growth. We maintain a 1:8 staff ratio to ensure individual attention. Outdoor learning spaces and specialist resources support sensory exploration and early literacy/numeracy development in a secure environment.
Curriculum Enrichment
Beyond core subjects, we offer specialist teaching in music, physical education and modern foreign languages. The school partners with external experts for instrumental music tuition and cultural programmes. Our OPAL programme enhances play opportunities with structured outdoor activities. We also provide educational visits and international school partnerships to broaden pupils' cultural experiences and global awareness.
People
Mrs A Macartney
Headteacher
Mrs Macartney holds a BA (Hons) and MA in Education. With over 15 years' experience in primary leadership, she champions inclusive education and Christian values. She oversees curriculum development and staff training while maintaining daily engagement with pupils and parents.
Mrs G Finch
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Mrs Finch manages SEN provision across the school. She coordinates individual education plans, liaises with external specialists and supports staff training. With 12 years' experience in SEN education, she ensures all children receive appropriate learning accommodations and progress monitoring.
Miss Kerry Baker
Office Manager
Miss Baker manages school administration and admissions. She serves as primary contact for parent inquiries and coordinates communication between staff, governors and external agencies. With extensive experience in school management, she ensures efficient operational support for teaching staff.
Mrs L Maxwell
Music Specialist Teacher
Mrs Maxwell delivers specialist music education across all year groups. She directs school productions, coordinates instrumental tuition and develops pupils' performance skills. With a background in music therapy, she adapts teaching methods to suit diverse learning needs and abilities.
Mr A Healey
Site Manager
Mr Healey maintains school facilities and ensures health & safety compliance. He manages building maintenance, security systems and environmental controls. With 20 years' experience in school facilities management, he creates safe, welcoming spaces that support effective teaching and learning.
Questions
What is St Mary's approach to special educational needs?
We provide individualised education plans, specialist SENCo support and learning assistants. Regular parent consultations ensure tailored interventions for each child's needs.
How does the school support pupil well-being?
We combine Christian values with structured PSHE education, mental health support and medical condition management. Our staff receive regular safeguarding training.
What extended care options are available?
Breakfast club from 07:45 and Teatime Club until 17:30 provide supervised care with structured activities and homework support.
How are parents involved in school life?
We encourage parental engagement through regular meetings, volunteer opportunities and home-learning partnerships. Parents receive termly progress reports.
What curriculum does the school follow?
Our curriculum exceeds national standards with specialist teaching in music, PE and modern languages, plus international school partnerships.
How does the school prepare children for secondary education?
We focus on core skills development, independent learning and transition programmes with local secondary schools to ensure smooth progression.
