St Mary's School in Bridport receives 'Good' Ofsted report

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Bridport, part of the Initio Learning Trust, keeps its ‘Good’ rating, following an inspection which took place on Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26.

According to inspectors, the school is a ‘caring community where all can learn and shine’ adding that pupils are proud of the school.

The school was also praised for providing opportunities for pupils to learn outside the classroom, with the inspector saying that trips ‘keep the curriculum alive.’

In terms of what the school does well, inspectors say the trust prioritises reading, with staff being given the training and coaching to deliver early reading sessions as pupils learn phonics from Reception.

Other highlights of the Ofsted report included pupils reading regularly, musical performances celebrating pupils’ talents and accurately identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The inspectors were also impressed to see that the school encourages parents to be part of school life, for example, through the community garden and reading workshops.

Headteacher Kate Batorska with pupils of St Mary's Primary School The curriculum of the school has been described by inspectors as ‘ambitious’ in that pupils from Reception to Year 6 build their knowledge and understanding.

However, inspectors were critical of some aspectrs, saying: “when the planned curriculum is not followed as closely pupils do not revisit important knowledge or make links between topics covered.” They say that this means pupils do not recall their previous learning as well as they might, stating that the curriculum is ‘not always implemented as intended.’  

Headteacher of St Mary’s School, Kate Batorska, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised that St Mary’s continues to be a ‘Good’ school, delivering an ambitious education for all our pupils.

“Our curriculum and teaching has been recognised and praised, as has our pupils’ behaviour, which is all testament to the hard work which goes into teaching and learning at our school day in and day out.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the staff and pupils for their dedication to and enthusiasm for learning - thank you for all your hard work.”

Liz West, Chief Executive Officer of Initio Learning Trust, said: “I am very proud of the leaders and their team at St Mary’s who work so hard to continue the good work at the school.

“I was also pleased to see that inspectors recognised the work the Trust does to offer St Mary’s  challenge and support to continue to improve the school for the benefit of all pupils.

“Initio Learning Trust remains committed to providing an atmosphere where our children can learn, thrive and fulfil their potential.”