'Strong sense of community and respect' at Good-rated school

A school where pupils thrive and achieve well has been rated Good across the board by Ofsted.

Inspectors describe St Martin's Church of England Primary School in Bradley as a 'nurturing school' which has Christian values of respect, resilience and compassion at its heart – and which pupils demonstrate through learning and play.

Leaders at St Martin's are ambitious for what their children can achieve and all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), 'achieve well'.

Directors of St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust, members of the local academy committee, school leaders and staff 'all have a clear vision’ for the school – for pupils to thrive – and inspectors say 'this vision is realised'.

Leaders 'are tenacious in helping all pupils get the most' from their time in school, and have ensured that any gaps in knowledge caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have been filled. A 'sharp focus' given by leaders to English, including reading, and mathematics, means that pupils are catching up quickly.

Leaders are also improving other subjects, with 'well planned and sequenced' lessons. The teaching of early reading is a key priority, with an 'effective reading programme in place' meaning pupils develop into 'confident, fluent readers'.

Children get off to a good start in nursery where 'highly attentive' adults 'know how to support children effectively' and quickly identify children who may need extra help, including from external agencies like speech and language when needed.

Teachers and teaching assistants use this advice well to plan support for those who need it, including pupils in St Martin's SEND Resource Base, which has a curriculum suited to their needs.

Children enjoy many opportunities for their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including weekly assemblies and a range of clubs to develop pupils’ interests and talents.

There is a strong sense of community and mutual respect at St Martin’s. Clear routines and structures also help children settle well into the early years, and these high expectations for pupils’ conduct continue throughout the school, with pupils living up to them – 'behaviour at all times is good', found inspectors.

Staff spoke positively to inspectors about the support leaders give them, and told them they enjoy working at the school. Meanwhile, safeguarding is effective. Staff receive regular training and St Martin's pastoral team works well with external agencies, meaning 'pupils and their families get the right help when they need it'. Pupils feel safe in school, and parents agree.

In their report published today (Wednesday 14 June, 2023), inspectors rated the overall effectiveness of the school Good, with the five inspection areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision - all rated Good.

Head of School Lauren Smith said: "I am incredibly proud of the St Martin’s family and so pleased that the good work that goes on in school, day in, day out, has been recognised.

“The report is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, the support of our families and wider community and of course the fantastic achievements of our incredible children. As a school, we couldn’t be more delighted!”

Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: "Everyone connected with St Martin's Church of England Primary School should be extremely proud with this report.”

“It shows that St Martin’s is a school where pupils achieve well, are able to thrive and demonstrate respect, resilience and compassion to one another. Congratulations to Lauren Smith and her team on this excellent outcome.”

Latest figures show 89% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated either Good or Outstanding, above the regional and national average. In addition, nine in 10 Wolverhampton pupils attend Good or Outstanding schools, the best in the West Midlands.

Pictured, left to right, Sonja Brookbanks, Assistant Headteacher; Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Lauren Smith, Head of School, and Trisha Gama, Assistant Headteacher, celebrate with pupils at St Martin's Church of England Primary School, which has been rated Good by Ofsted.