Our School Priorities for 2026-2027
As part of Year 2 of our three-year School Development Plan, we have identified three key priorities that will help us continue to improve learning, support and opportunities for every pupil.
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Priority 1 Teaching & Learning |
We want every pupil to understand how they are progressing and how they can continue to improve. This year we will:
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Priority 2 Special Educational Needs |
We are committed to meeting the needs of all pupils and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This year we will:
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Priority 3 Punctuality |
Being in school, on time and ready to learn is one of the most important factors in a pupil's success. This year we will:
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Continuing Areas of Development |
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Alongside these priorities, we will continue to:
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Review of Our School Priorities 2025-2026 (Year 1 of our 3 Year Plan)
During 2025-2026, St Mary's College focused on improving teaching and learning, strengthening support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), developing pupil voice, promoting wellbeing, exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and expanding Shared Education opportunities. Overall, good progress was made across all areas and these achievements now shape our priorities for 2026-2027.
1. Teaching and Learning
A major focus this year was improving classroom practice and supporting staff professional development.
What went well?
- Staff responded very positively to new professional development, newly revised PRSD process and training opportunities.
- Teachers increasingly used evidence-informed teaching strategies to improve pupil engagement and learning.
- AI began helping teachers with planning, supporting pupils with additional needs and reducing workload.
- Cross-school projects provided valuable learning experiences for pupils and staff.
Next Steps
Following staff feedback, our next priority is Assessment for Learning. We will develop a clear whole-school approach to assessment, feedback, recording and reporting so that pupils and parents better understand progress and next steps.
2. Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Supporting pupils with additional needs remained a key priority.
What went well?
- Most SEN pupils reported feeling supported and included.
- Teachers continued to strengthen adaptive teaching approaches.
- Classroom assistants and teachers worked closely together to support pupils effectively.
- Professional development increased staff confidence and expertise.
Next Steps
We will continue improving:
- Access to SEN information and tracking systems.
- Personal Learning Plans (PLPs).
- Pupils' understanding of their learning targets.
- The consistent use of AI to support learning.
3. Pupil Voice
This year we worked to increase opportunities for pupils to share their views and influence school life.
What went well?
- Pupil-led assemblies were very successful.
- Leadership and mentoring opportunities expanded.
- Strong relationships between pupils and staff remained a real strength.
Next Steps
We recognise that more pupils need opportunities to share their views and see the impact of their feedback. Next year we will strengthen the School Council, provide more opportunities for participation and improve communication about actions taken as a result of pupil feedback.
Wellbeing, AI and Shared Education (Subsidiary Priorities)
Alongside our three main priorities, we continued to invest in pupil wellbeing, digital innovation and partnership working with other schools.
Key achievements included:
- Greater awareness of counselling and wellbeing supports.
- Improved communication and wellbeing resources for parents.
- Successful introduction of AI to support learning and SEN provision.
- Shared Education projects which increased pupils' confidence, developed new friendships and improved understanding of different backgrounds and communities.
Looking Ahead
The progress made during 2025-2026 provides a strong foundation for our 2026-2027 year 2 priorities as we continue to improve learning, strengthen support for every pupil and ensure that pupil wellbeing remains at the heart of school life.
For a full review of the priorities from 2025-2026, please click on the following link:
