At St Mary's Primary School, our School Development Plan sets out the key priorities that will help us continue to provide the very best education, opportunities and support for every child. Guided by our vision of Confidently Me, Belonging Together and Challenged to Contribute, we remain committed to creating a school where children feel valued, inspired and equipped to flourish both academically and personally. These priorities have been identified through our ongoing self-evaluation, feedback from pupils, families and staff, leadership review and recent inspection outcomes.

Throughout all of our improvement work, we will continue to focus on the key themes of Oracy, Inclusion, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Academic Progression and Spirituality. These "golden threads" help ensure that every child is confident in their own identity, feels a genuine sense of belonging and is supported to achieve their full potential while developing the skills and character needed to make a positive contribution to society.

Our Key Priorities for 2026-27

Improving Teaching and Learning

We will strengthen the consistency and quality of teaching across the school by developing a shared approach to high-quality classroom practice. This will include a strong focus on pupil participation, effective questioning, communication skills and professional development for staff. Our aim is to ensure that every child experiences engaging, inclusive and ambitious learning that helps them succeed.

Enhancing the Curriculum and Enrichment Opportunities

We will continue to review and develop our curriculum to ensure it is exciting, ambitious and relevant for all learners. Alongside this, we will expand opportunities for educational visits, visitors, workshops and wider experiences that enrich learning, promote curiosity and help children make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.

Strengthening Relationships and Positive Behaviour

Building on the strong culture already evident within our school, we will further develop our relational approach to behaviour. Through positive relationships, clear expectations and enhanced support for pupils' social and emotional development, we aim to ensure that every child feels safe, supported and able to thrive. A particular focus will be given to wellbeing, self-regulation, positive play and fostering a strong sense of belonging throughout the school community.

Raising Achievement in Mathematics

We will continue to improve outcomes in mathematics through the implementation of a consistent Maths Mastery approach across the school. This will help children develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills while ensuring that all learners, including those with additional needs, receive the support and challenge required to achieve success and confidence in mathematics.

Together, these priorities reflect our ambition to provide an exceptional education for every child. By working closely with pupils, families, staff, governors and the wider community, we will continue to build a school where children are happy, successful and prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.