Wisbech St Mary Academy has ‘stand-out’ RE curriculum says report

Wisbech St Mary Academy has been found to be compassionate with a stand-out religious education curriculum

The church-run school underwent its SIAMS inspection earlier this month and is proud of its findings.

SIAMS is the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools.

The inspection takes place around every five years and focuses on the impact of a church school's Christian vision on pupils and adults.

This involves looking at the school’s Christian vision, the provision it makes because of this vision, and how effective this provision is in enabling all pupils to flourish.

One of the highlights of the report published this week was the school’s compassionate leadership, its religious education, collective worship, support for special needs pupils, staff wellbeing, and community engagement.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are incredibly proud of our school community and the positive impact of our Christian vision. Together, we continue to “Be the light,” inspiring and supporting each other to achieve excellence.

“The leadership team ensures that our Christian vision is at the heart of all decision-making, allowing both pupils and staff to shine their light into the world. The school dedicates time to build trusting and respectful relationships with pupils and families.

“Our RE curriculum is a standout feature, designed to foster curiosity and deep thinking, preparing our pupils for a flourishing life. Pupils engage with ‘big questions’ and develop a sophisticated understanding of diverse religious beliefs.

“Collective Worship is a cherished time for spiritual growth, offering a peaceful pause in the busy school day and reinforcing our school’s identity and values. Pupils and staff value daily worship as an invitation to share their thoughts with God or simply enjoy a tranquil moment.”

The report found the school had an inclusive environment for children with special needs which helps them thrive.

It recognised the school’s commitment to staff well-being ensuring they feel valued and respected, fostering a supportive and effective school community. Leaders invest in the staff and prioritise their well-being, enabling them to work effectively.

Finally, the report said the school’s community engagement allowed pupils to live out its vision of serving others through roles of responsibility and leadership, such as eco councillors and playtime activity leaders.

The report said: “They form close links with local care homes and advocate for greater understanding around social issues like food banks.”