Quotes from Parents and Visitors

Challenging learners is the norm... Pupils relish challenge, right from the start…pupils have very positive attitudes. They are proud of their school’s high place nationally… very positive about wider reading and understand the impact it has on their learning. In lessons they understand what is required and apply themselves to meet success criteria. Pupils keenly undertake independent research. They aspire to achieve well and link success at school to future working life…the promotion of wider reading achieved an astonishing degree of improvement in results…teachers often encourage pupils to, to be ‘mindful’ and self-aware of themselves as learners. Focusing on themselves as learners has raised achievement…overall outcomes are at a high level.  St Mary Cray Primary is not a school that stands still.

Challenge Partners Review March 2018

St Mary Cray Primary Academy is a fantastic school that not only provides its pupils with a good education but also goes above and beyond to engage with the wider community.

A great example of this is the Oasis Hub, which the school opened in May 2017. The Hub offers the local community a friendly environment in which children can engage in creative play, while parents are able to access local services and receive support for family life. All residents are welcome to attend the Hub, completely free of charge.

Another great community scheme promoted by the Academy is the Cray River Way Project. This project, which is headed by the Cray Forum, has brought together businesses, residents, and pupils to work to improve the River Cray, its environment, and the surrounding land. This has been achieved through the creation of a heritage walk along the river to encourage visitors and to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for local residents.

The school has also held some fantastic community events. I was invited to the Academy’s Celebration Event, which took place in November of last year. It was truly wonderful to see such a wide array of people from right across the local community coming together to get to know one another and celebrate the school’s achievements.

Over the last three years, St Mary Cray Primary Academy has become a vital asset to the Cray community. The school has built strong links with local businesses, organisations, and residents. The dedication of the team and pupils to improving the local area is both impressive and commendable.

 Jo Johnson
Member of Parliament for Orpington

As one of the local Ward Councillor's, I am delighted that St Mary Cray Primary Academy is at the very centre of our community. As well as a high performing and ambitious Primary School, it is a great supporter of many local initiatives such as the Cray Forum and its Cray Riverway Heritage Walk community project, hosting and attending meetings and organising events in support of the project.

The School also partners with many organisations, such as churches, Nugent Shopping Park and community groups to help improve the local area and environment, not just within the School, but by being out and about, being visible, in the local area. The School has provided me with much help and support in my role as a Ward Councillor.

The opening of the Oasis Community Hub has provided much needed help, advice and facilities for children, parents and families in the area, an opening marked with a 'celebration day' well attended by members of the local community, its MP, Councillor's and many partner agencies and organisations. The day was a huge success.

In short, St Mary Cray Primary Academy and the Oasis Community Hub deserve much credit for bringing the local community together by providing much needed and valued services, appreciated by everyone in the area.

Chris Pierce
Councillor Cray Valley East Ward
London Borough of Bromley

 

Feedback from our Parents:

Parent Survey November 2018 with 130 parents taking part

94% of parents think their child is happy at the school

94% of parents believed their child is taught well

94% of parents stated that the school is well led and managed

94% of parents shared that their child is making good progress

Parents said in November 2018:

[SMCPA is] “safe and happy.”

“with help and support my child has made great progress.”

[the school has] “made great progress.”

“My child is doing great at this school – very happy.”

“Education is very well focused and executed.”

“Positive attitude by teacher and school. Very well organised."

“The day went really well. The children are a credit to the school. They worked hard, were well mannered and impressed us with their thinking. Unprompted they asked questions about our vision for the company and our overall strategy!”