12-05-2025
Pupils are proud to attend this warm and welcoming school
A school which "pupils are proud to attend" is also proving a first class education.
St Mary's RC Primary School, Victoria Road, Horwich, was ranked as good in all five areas following an Ofsted inspection, which found that "the school encourages pupils to aim high and to give their best".
The school was given an overall ranking of 'good' in March 2020, its most recent inspection before the most recent one.
Headteacher Dominique Hayes, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection.
(Image: Supplied)
"The report is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and care shown by our staff, pupils, and wider school community. We are incredibly proud of our children who continue to shine brightly every day."
The report reads: "Pupils are proud to attend this happy school.
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"The warm and welcoming culture helps children in the early years to settle in and quickly make new friends. Older pupils value 'bubble time' sessions, where they talk to trusted adults if they have any worries or problems.
"Pupils across the school flourish and grow in confidence."
Early reading, writing, and mathematics were praised as priorities by the regulator building a solid "foundation" for the school.
Although in 2024, the proportion of pupils who met the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check was significantly below the national average, the school has taken action on this.
The report says: "The school has analysed carefully the Inspection report: St Mary's RC Primary School 11 and 12 March 2025, 2 reasons for this dip and has taken effective action to address this drop in outcomes.
"As a result, current pupils are now making strong progress through the school's early reading programme. Early readers receive effective support.
"They read new books, which are well matched to their reading abilities, with growing fluency. Developing a love of reading is at the heart of the school."
Pupils at the school can benefit from a 'year of live' art and music programmes, where they enjoy visits to the Hallé and Philharmonic orchestra and attend local art galleries and museums.
Governors perform their roles very effectively, Ofsted also noted.
They added: "Pupils fulfil their many leadership roles with great diligence and pride. They make an exceptional contribution to their school and the wider community.
"For instance, pupils regularly lead assemblies and organise many fundraising activities. They enjoy helping other pupils learn about issues such as road safety and the importance of looking after the environment."
