St Mary’s rated top primary school in New Mills

St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been named the number one primary school in New Mills, according to School Guide.

School Guide is a website that ranks schools according to the latest exam data, Ofsted reports and parent reviews.

The latest information from School Guide states that St Mary’s, in Longlands Road, is top in New Mills with a five star rating.

The report highlights St Mary’s Good Ofsted rating and that 82 per cent of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national average of 60 per cent.

St Mary’s most recent Ofsted report, from 2023, is highlighted by School Guide.

“Pupils enjoy attending this small, calm and productive school. They say that they feel safe and happy because everyone looks after each other. They try to follow the school’s ‘gospel values’. These values help pupils care for and respect each other. Pupils are polite and friendly towards staff and visitors. Parents and carers are supportive of the school. One parent expressed the view of others when they said, ‘We love St Mary’s! It is a very welcoming, nurturing, family environment’,” the Ofsted report said.

Mrs Chapman, Headteacher at St Mary’s, said: “We are delighted to hear the news that we have been ranked the number one primary school in New Mills. How lovely it is to receive recognition for all the hard work and effort that we have put into developing a rich curriculum and a nurturing school environment for all of our pupils.

“We have taken the time to ensure the personal development and emotional needs of all our children are well met, which allows them the opportunity to better access our broad and diverse curriculum.  Pupils have the opportunity to learn about world events through our unique teaching in Global Learning and how these events impact on their experiences.

“The most important focus as headteacher at St Mary’s is to ensure all pupils and staff have the skills and opportunities to become leaders. I would like them to go out into this world and use their God given potential to do something good.”