Business Details
St Mary's Catholic Primary School - Nurturing Faith and Learning in Luton
St Mary's Catholic Primary School places Christ at the heart of all its activities, fostering a community where faith, learning, and mutual respect thrive. Established to serve the Dunstable and Caddington areas, the school has cultivated a nurturing environment where children aged 2-11 are supported by dedicated staff to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum integrates Catholic values with academic excellence, following the 'Come and See' religious education programme and the National Curriculum.Recognised as a 'Good' school by Ofsted in 2022, we prioritise individual growth through a structured phonics approach, daily collective worship, and a focus on social-emotional development. The school's Extended Care provision operates until 6pm, reflecting our commitment to flexible family support. As part of the St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust, we maintain strong partnerships while preserving our unique identity, ensuring every child feels valued in a safe, prayerful community.
Services
Early Years Foundation Stage
National Curriculum Delivery
Religious Education Programme
Nurture Group Support
Extended Care Provision
Highlights and features
- Rated 'Good' by Ofsted with a focus on pupil well-being and academic progress
- Integrated Catholic values shaping respectful, tolerant, and hopeful learners
- Experienced staff delivering structured phonics and personalised support
- Extended care available until 6pm daily for working families
- Strong safeguarding framework ensuring a safe, supportive environment
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Staff kindness
Effective safeguarding
Positive pupil behaviour
Strong faith focus
Nurturing environment
Services
Early Years Foundation Stage
Our Early Years Foundation Stage nurtures children aged 2-5 through play-based learning and structured phonics. We develop communication, physical skills, and emotional resilience while following the 'Letters and Sounds' programme. Staff observe and engage children to build foundational knowledge in mathematics, literacy, and creative arts.
National Curriculum Delivery
Key Stages 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum with daily English and mathematics lessons. Subjects include science, computing, history, geography, and modern languages. Phonics instruction uses the 'Letters and Sounds' scheme, while termly curriculum newsletters keep parents informed about learning priorities and assessment practices.
Religious Education Programme
Religious Education forms the school's spiritual foundation through the 'Come and See' programme. Daily worship, termly Mass celebrations, and Catholic Social Teaching workshops integrate faith with academic learning. Children prepare for First Communion through parish-based programmes supported by school staff.
Nurture Group Support
The Nurture Group provides tailored support for children facing social, emotional, or academic challenges. Small-class settings allow individualised learning plans, modified curricula, and targeted interventions to help pupils reintegrate successfully into mainstream education while maintaining academic progress.
Extended Care Provision
Our After School Club offers supervised care until 6pm daily, providing homework assistance, recreational activities, and a safe environment. This flexible provision supports working families while ensuring continuity of care beyond standard school hours in a welcoming, faith-centred setting.
People
Amanda Dowling
Headteacher
Amanda Dowling leads St Mary's with a vision centred on Catholic values and academic excellence. She champions individual pupil development, oversees curriculum implementation, and maintains strong community partnerships to ensure every child thrives in a supportive environment.
Questions
What age groups does St Mary's Catholic Primary School cater for?
We educate children aged 2-11, offering Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2 programmes.
How does the school integrate Catholic values into education?
Our curriculum follows the 'Come and See' religious education programme with daily worship, termly Mass celebrations, and Catholic Social Teaching workshops.
What was the outcome of the latest Ofsted inspection?
St Mary's was rated 'Good' in June 2022, with inspectors highlighting staff supportiveness, effective phonics teaching, and positive pupil behaviour.
Are there after-school care options available?
Yes, our Extended Care provision operates until 6pm daily, offering supervised activities and homework support for working families.
