Just a few years ago, the future of St Mary’s RC Primary School, Stockport, was uncertain. The school faced significant challenges, including an inadequate Ofsted judgement, falling pupil numbers and financial pressures. Many feared this much-loved school, which has served its community since 1868, might be lost. For local families, however, St Mary’s is far more than a school. As one parent described it, it is “not just a school, but a support system.”
Today, this Ofsted report tells a very different story. Recognising strong achievement, early years provision, leadership and governance, it reflects an inspiring transformation. More importantly, it shows what can be achieved when we come together as a community, in service of the children entrusted to their care. It is a powerful example of the Emmaus family walking alongside one another to ensure that some of our most vulnerable children receive the opportunities, care and formation they deserve.
There is so much to celebrate in this inspection report. It recognises not only what pupils have achieved, but also the commitment, care and determination of a community that has worked tirelessly to help every child flourish. Behind every positive comment lies the dedication of staff, the support of families and the local community, the encouragement of governors and leaders, and the strength of the wider Emmaus family.
At the heart of this success are the children of St Mary’s, whose words and actions bring to life everything that makes the school such a special place to learn and grow. Inspectors heard from pupils who are proud of their school, happy in their learning and motivated to do their very best. They treat one another with kindness and respect, embrace the high expectations set for them and serve as outstanding ambassadors for their school community.
Children feel safe, valued and known. They embrace every opportunity that St Mary’s provides as part of a wider family of Catholic schools. Their strong attendance reflects their enthusiasm for school, while their determination and love of learning help them thrive. This is particularly evident in the achievements of disadvantaged pupils, who consistently perform highly, and pupils with SEND, who make secure progress from their individual starting points. Together, these successes demonstrate the school’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is encouraged, supported and empowered to fulfil their God-given potential.
This report highlights a school where pupils thrive both academically and personally. Children quickly develop the knowledge and skills they need to access learning with confidence, leading to strong outcomes across the curriculum. The achievements of disadvantaged pupils, who often outperform their peers nationally, reflect the school’s firm belief that every child can succeed. Equally important is the strong progress made by pupils with SEND, ensuring that individual starting points do not determine future success.
The foundations for this achievement are laid from the very beginning. The report celebrates the school’s early years provision, where highly skilled staff bring a carefully designed curriculum to life. Many children begin school with language and communication skills below those typically expected for their age. Staff understand these challenges and respond with expertise, patience and care. Through purposeful interactions and nurturing support, children quickly grow in confidence and develop strong early reading, writing and mathematical skills. It is heartening to read that children play harmoniously together, exploring their outdoor environment with curiosity and joy while feeling safe, secure and valued.
Perhaps most importantly, this is a school where children learn how to be kind, respectful and considerate. Caring relationships are at the centre of daily life, creating an environment where bullying and discrimination are rare and where differences are celebrated. Pupils understand the importance of fairness, respect and learning about the beliefs and cultures of others. These values are not simply taught. They are lived out every day.
At the heart of this success is strong and purposeful leadership. Inspectors recognised leaders who know their school, pupils and community exceptionally well and who take carefully considered action to bring about positive change.
The report highlights the strong relationships that the school community has built and their deep understanding of the families that they serve. Leaders combine high expectations with compassion and understanding, ensuring barriers to attendance and learning are addressed effectively. Parents clearly recognise and value the difference the school makes to their children’s lives.
This report is a well-deserved recognition of a community that has never lost sight of its purpose: providing the very best Catholic education and formation for all.
Congratulations to everyone who has supported the school on this truly joyous achievement. The report is another powerful example of what can be accomplished when schools come together with shared purpose, determination and an unwavering commitment to children. It demonstrates that, as one Catholic community, we can achieve more together than any individual school could achieve alone.