Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about St Mary’s C of E Primary School, a small Church of England school with a unique approach to education that truly nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

At the heart of our school is a strong Christian ethos. We believe in promoting our values - compassion, community, thankfulness, truthfulness, courage and forgiveness; these values guide everything we do. We work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, where every child is encouraged to grow not only academically but also in their moral and spiritual life. It’s a place where children feel safe, respected, and valued.

One of the key features of our school is our mixed-age class structure. This offers a number of benefits. 

• It allows us to provide personalised learning. Teachers can tailor instruction to each student’s individual abilities and learning pace, meaning that children are supported in ways that best suit them.  

• The social benefit. Older students naturally take on mentoring roles, helping their younger peers. This builds confidence and leadership in the older students while giving the younger ones great role models to learn from.  
• It also fosters emotional resilience, as children learn to work together, solve problems, and navigate social situations. This creates a strong sense of community in the classroom, helping children form deep, meaningful friendships across different age groups.

Another standout feature of our school is our Forest School program, which offers wonderful opportunities for children to learn through hands-on, outdoor experiences.  Being in nature helps children regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety. The outdoor space allows them to feel calm and relaxed, which is vital for emotional well-being.  Forest School also strengthens social skills. Children work together on practical tasks, learning teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving—all while having fun and developing a connection to the natural world.  It’s a setting that builds confidence and independence. Children are encouraged to take on challenges and solve problems on their own, which helps them develop resilience and a sense of accomplishment.

In addition to these benefits, we put a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. Because we are a small school, every child receives individual attention, and we’re able to support their emotional well-being in a very personalised way.  Our mixed-age classes help children develop empathy and emotional intelligence. By interacting with different age groups, they learn to understand other perspectives, recognise emotions in themselves and others, and respond with kindness.  There is also a strong sense of belonging in our school. Children feel part of a close-knit community, which is essential for their confidence and self-esteem. This sense of connection and support helps them thrive both socially and emotionally.

Finally, being a small school allows us to create a family-oriented environment. We work closely with parents and guardians to ensure that every child is supported in the best possible way. This sense of community and strong relationships across staff, students, and parents means that children feel secure, confident, and ready to reach their full potential.

Our small Church of England school offers an educational experience that goes far beyond academics. Through our Christian ethos, mixed-age classes, and Forest School program, we provide a nurturing, enriching environment that helps children grow in every aspect of their development.  We would love to welcome you to visit our school and see firsthand the wonderful impact it has on the children here. Thank you for your time and interest.