ST MARY'S COFE (AIDED) PRIMARY SCHOOL in Kingston upon Thames, Chessington

Education Centre Information: St Mary's CofE (Aided) Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Kingston upon Thames
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of Guildford
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 235
Number of boys: 123
Number of girls: 112
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

St Mary's School was founded by the Church of England, and has been serving the parish and community of Chessington since 1826. It has been on its present site since 1975. The younger children work in a well designed brick building, which also includes the hall, library and computer suite. Older classes work in spacious external rooms alongside the play area and field. The foundation stage offers part-time nursery education. Visits and visitors enrich pupils learning and include a residential visit for the older children. After-school clubs offer a variety of sporting, musical and other activities. The class teachers are assisted by additional teaching and support staff, and by volunteers from parents and the community. This enables the school to provide effectively for many different children, including the able and those with additional needs of various sorts. The school is small enough to retain a family atmosphere, greatly helped by the support of parents. The parent teachers association is very active in raising funds and arranging social activities. The school has close links with the parish church. The vicar and congregation are involved in the governance and financial support of the school, and the children visit the church regularly for worship. Older children are encouraged to undertake responsibilities within the school. The school has a new ICT suite fully equipped for a whole class to receive teaching and practice in a whole range of computer skills, including internet research and communication. In addition, each class has its own computer linked to the suite, with software to promote the use of ICT across the curriculum. Within a secure and caring Christian environment the school strives to develop the potential of each pupil in partnership with parents, staff and governors.