Pulborough primary school St Mary's celebrates Good Ofsted rating

The staff and pupils at St Mary’s CE (Aided) Primary School in Pulborough are celebrating their recent Ofsted success, following their inspection in September. The school has achieved a ‘Good’ rating throughout.
By Joshua Powling
Published 10th Nov 2022, 11:28 BST
Updated 10th Nov 2022, 11:29 BST
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The inspectors commented favourably on the fact that leaders have a clear ambition for every pupil to achieve well and enjoy their education. Pupils rise to these expectations and leave St Mary’s well prepared for their future. Leaders are clear about their overall curriculum aims and design and teachers have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum. They present learning clearly and select resources carefully to support pupils.

The pupils know and respect the school values and describe them as being the qualities that make a good friend. They understand the link between the school’s value of love and the spiritual and moral parts of their curriculum and are keen to discuss moral and humanitarian dilemmas with empathy and kindness.

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Pupils are provided with rich opportunities outside the classroom. There are many after-school clubs on offer, which include sports, music and reading opportunities. In Forest School activities, pupils explore the local environment. The solar and wind- powered reading shack is a source of great pride.

Samantha Copus, headteacher and Seren Hatcher, deputy head, with some happy Yr 6 pupilsSamantha Copus, headteacher and Seren Hatcher, deputy head, with some happy Yr 6 pupils
Samantha Copus, headteacher and Seren Hatcher, deputy head, with some happy Yr 6 pupils

Governors know the school well and they work closely with school leaders to identify strengths and areas to improve. There is a relentless commitment to continue to improve the school.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders ensure that staff are well- trained in identifying and reporting any safeguarding concerns. Pupils learn about how to keep themselves safe; they are knowledgeable about online risks and know what to do if they have any worries.

The headteacher, Mrs Samantha Copus, is very pleased with her staff and pupils. In her letter to parents, she wrote: “It is an absolute honour to be able to share this final OFSTED report and I know that you will join me in celebrating our new ‘GOOD’ grading. The report shows you that we were securely ‘GOOD’ in all areas and this is down to the hard work of our amazing team. Do take some time to read the comments as I feel it is an absolute reflection of where we are on the journey.”

Related topics:Primary schoolOfsted