St Mark’s School has been rated ‘good’ for its leadership and management, behaviour and safety of students and the quality of teaching following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Photo courtesy of Nell Mallia
Inspectors visiting the school recognised the positive impact the new Headteacher has had since his appointment this academic year, praising his commitment to provide the best range of opportunities for all students and the support from the teaching leadership team.
Report highlights include:
- Teachers have high expectations of their students, wanting students to enjoy their learning and providing activities that inspire them.
- The range of subjects in the school’s curriculum is broad, flexible and responds to the aspirations of students.
- Students value the many opportunities they have to extend their learning beyond the school day by taking part in sports, music and drama.
- Good careers advice to plan a personal route through education, training and employment is a benefit for all students.
- Behaviour is good; students treat staff and each other with respect and show positive attitudes to their learning.
- Governors are effective. They hold leaders to account and are actively involved.
The inspection comes at an exciting time for the Larkhall school.
With a new Headteacher on board and students demonstrating exceptional commitment to their studies, the future looks bright for academic achievement at St Mark’s.
A new Post 16 offer, in partnership with St Gregory’s, is also allowing St Mark’s to take its offering to the next level in its aim to be the school of choice for the community.
Making the most of their small class sizes, plans are underway to provide every child with a personalised learning and careers programme which will set them up on the path to future success.
The school will also be extending its extra-curricular offering for local primary school pupils to support the transition to secondary school and provide unique enrichment opportunities.
Headteacher, Barnaby Ash, commented: “We are proud to officially be recognised as a ‘good’ school.
“Ofsted’s validation confirms that we are a school where children thrive and reach their full academic and personal potential through a combination of quality teaching, a personalised curriculum, enriching opportunities and high expectations.
“We are delighted with the outcome of the report; this provides a strong platform from which to excel and realise our ambitious plans for the future.”
