Mainly praise for St Mary and St Michael

Friday 19 April 2024

Another of Guernsey's primary schools has been praised by Ofsted, with St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School the second this week to be rated as ‘good’ by the inspectorate.

The small school, which has 137 pupils aged between 4 and 11, received the second highest rating Ofsted awards in each of the five categories the inspectors rate.

The catholic primary school has also received an overwhelmingly positive report from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate recently - receiving a grade 2 which is 'good' in every category it was assessed in.

Both inspectorates have made recommendations for the school to improve further though, with attention drawn to the pupils' understanding of the curriculum by both bodies. 

Pictured: The Ofsted inspectors rated St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School as 'good' in every category. That is the second highest rating available. 

Ofsted's inspectors visited the school in February, and found that, among other positives, the staff and pupils have strong relationships, with pupils learning an ambitious curriculum, and that reading is central to the childrens' day-to-day life.

There was further praise for the school's support of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and the recognition of pupil's positive behaviours.

Ofsted found concern with a lack of progress some pupils make though, with an example given with the way reading is taught.

The inspectors also highlighted some concerns raised by staff members at the school. Some said that the school "does not engage constructively with them to gain a better understanding of the pressures upon them. As a result, some staff do not have confidence that their views will be listened to".

Ofsted advised that "the school should reassure all staff that their views will be considered".

Pictured: The Catholic Schools Inspectorate also rated St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School as good. 

The school received a visit from the Catholic Schools Inspectorate earlier in February and that also resulted in a number of positive comments, with some recommendations for improvements too.

The Catholic Schools Inspectorate said that the school community "joyfully embrace their mission statement of ‘Learning together as we follow in the footsteps of Christ'."

It also found that pupils and staff show "a deep commitment to the mission and social teaching of the Church", pupils show "great enjoyment and interest in their RE lessons resulting in exemplary behaviour for learning", and they "participate enthusiastically and reverently in a wide range of prayer and liturgical experiences".

The school is also praised for working "exceptionally well" within its parish.

Recommendations for further improvements at St Mary and St Michael school include ensuring that pupils can clearly articulate the mission of the school and the Church, a refinement of teacher questioning so they can accurately assess pupils understanding, and work to ensure all pupils develop the confidence, understanding, and skill to undertake and evaluate a range of prayer and liturgy experiences appropriate to their age and understanding.

Helen Willetts said she is "proud to say that we have received good outcomes for both our RE Inspection and Ofsted Inspection".

"I must give credit to the committed and hard-working team of staff, who go above and beyond every day to ensure that our pupils receive the best possible education. It is through their teamwork and dedication that we have achieved such wonderful outcomes. Also special thanks and appreciation to our pupils who behave exceptionally well and treat each other with respect and kindness.

"Their positive attitudes and eagerness to learn make our school a truly special place. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together and I am excited for the future as we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do."