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The whole school community of St Mary and St Giles Church of England School (SMSG) is celebrating after being graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its inspection in February 2024.  In the 370 pupils place school’s first inspection since joining Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL) multi-academy trust in 2021, Ofsted met with children, parents, staff and governors.  Inspectors carried out deep dives into reading, mathematics, science, history and computing as well as exploring the overall quality of education, leadership and management, personal development, behaviour and attitudes and early years provision at the school – all of which were judged ‘Good’.

The report highlighted that ‘pupils are safe here’, ‘safeguarding is effective’ and that ‘the school is a welcoming and respectful place to play and learn’. 

A ‘strong culture of mutual respect between all members of the school community’ was described, as was the recognition that ‘pupils are taught the importance of embracing and celebrating difference’.   Other comments in the report included: 

• More recent improvements are having a significant impact on pupils’ achievement and on the welfare of all pupils, including those with SEND and other disadvantaged pupils 

• The school has designed an ambitious curriculum and pupils’ learning is of good quality and they are achieving well 

• All pupils learn how to become fluent readers 

• Staff identify pupils who have SEND accurately, including for children in nursery 

• Pupils are engaged actively in their learning 

Headteacher Adam Palmer said, “We are absolutely delighted with this outcome which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, governors, families and the wider community. I am pleased that the report highlights our inclusive ethos, strong shared values, nurturing environment and high expectations for all which permeate throughout our school.”  

Chair of Governors, Carly Elsworth, added, “This is the result of the vision and drive of our senior leadership team, the commitment of all our colleagues and the support of parents and carers. We are proud of our inclusive school community, which is rooted in mutual respect, and pleased external validation has confirmed the strengths we know to be present.”  

Sarah Bennett, IFtL CEO said; St Mary & St Giles Church of England School is fully dedicated to positively influencing all pupils and we are pleased to see the impact of this recognised in the report by Ofsted.  The dedication of the entire school community to sharing their ambition for learning in an exciting and engaging way that fosters each pupil’s enthusiasm, as well as supporting every child and one another on this journey, is apparent. Congratulations from the IFtL family of schools to all at SMSG and their wider community on your continued success. 

The full Ofsted report can be seen at: https://www.smsg.uk.com/about/ofsted-and-siams/