St Mary and All Saints CofE Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Church of England Setting

Located in the heart of Beaconsfield, St Mary and All Saints CofE Primary School serves a community where high academic expectations meet a traditional Church of England ethos. The school provides a two form entry environment for approximately 390 pupils, operating with a capacity that reflects its popularity in south Buckinghamshire. Following a period of transition, the latest 2025 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school is now Good across all key areas, including an Outstanding judgement for personal development. This follows a rigorous period of improvement after a Requires Improvement rating in 2022. The 2024 academic data tells a story of significant recovery and high attainment, with results that place the school among the top tier of primaries in England.

The atmosphere at St Mary and All Saints is defined by its strong Christian foundation and its location within the leafy, affluent context of Beaconsfield. As a Church of England school, the rhythms of the day are punctuated by collective worship and a focus on values such as compassion and respect. Mr Matt Parting has led the school as Headteacher through this successful period of transition, stabilizing the curriculum and addressing previous inspection findings while maintaining the school's historical commitment to high standards.

The school operates as a voluntary controlled institution within the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust, and the connection to the local parish is palpable. This is not a school that feels like an exam factory; instead, it seeks to balance its rigorous academic output with a nurturing, faith centered environment. The physical site on Maxwell Road provides a settled, traditional backdrop for learning, where the community feel is reinforced by an active parent body and a stable staff team.

The academic outcomes at St Mary and All Saints in 2024 were exceptional. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%, representing a formidable achievement for the cohort.

Even more striking is the depth of attainment. At the higher standard, 22% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This level of performance is mirrored in the scaled scores, with reading at 110 and mathematics at 109, both well above national norms.

The school ranks 638th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 2nd position among primaries in Beaconsfield. This performance sits well above the England average, placing the school comfortably within the top 10% of schools in England (national high tier).

The curriculum at St Mary and All Saints is structured to challenge pupils from the outset. With 95% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, it is clear that literacy is a cornerstone of the school's approach. Recent external observations highlight that teachers use their expertise to bring the curriculum to life, ensuring that pupils develop a strong understanding of diversity and the wider world.

Teachers utilize the local context of Buckinghamshire to enrich learning, often linking classroom topics to the history and geography of the Chilterns. In mathematics, the school has adopted mastery approaches that have clearly yielded results, with nearly half of pupils reaching a high score in the subject. This focus on depth ensures that the most able pupils are stretched while those needing support are caught early through targeted interventions.

As a Church of England school, pastoral care is inextricably linked to the religious character of the institution. Personal development was rated Outstanding in 2025, reflecting the school's success in fostering a supportive environment where pupils feel valued and safe. The small, community focused nature of the school ensures that staff know the pupils well, allowing for a personalized approach to emotional and social development.

The school manages its special educational needs provision within the mainstream classroom setting, focusing on inclusion and early identification. While the school does not have separate special classes, the high staff to pupil ratios in early years and the use of experienced teaching assistants across the phases provide a safety net for all learners.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied and seeks to provide something for everyone. Music is a particular strength, reflecting the school's liturgical traditions; the school choir, handbells, and ukulele clubs are central features of both school and church events. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of clubs led by staff, including samba, dance, and creative writing.

STEM

STEM excellence is a priority, with dedicated clubs for design, technology, and gardening. The grounds allow for extensive outdoor learning and sports, with competitive fixtures in rugby, football, rounders, and cricket against other local Beaconsfield schools being a regular part of the termly calendar.

Securing a place at St Mary and All Saints is a competitive process. For the most recent entry cycle, there were 127 applications for just 60 places, meaning the school is significantly oversubscribed with a subscription proportion of 2.12.

As a state school, admissions are coordinated by Buckinghamshire Council. After looked after children and siblings, the criteria focus on those living within the designated catchment area. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, as the high demand means proximity is the deciding factor.

The majority of pupils from St Mary and All Saints progress to highly regarded secondary schools in Buckinghamshire. Average data from recent years shows that approximately 23% of leavers move to Beaconsfield High School and 18% to The Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe, reflecting a strong 11 plus culture. For those not entering the grammar system, The Beaconsfield School provides the primary non selective pathway, with approximately 21% of pupils attending.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. Wraparound care is provided on site via the Curl Around club, offering breakfast care from 7:40am (£6.00) and after school care until 6:00pm (£13.00). The school is situated on Maxwell Road, within walking distance of Beaconsfield town center, though parking is notably limited during drop off and pick up times.

• Oversubscribed Entry: With over two applications for every place, admission is the primary hurdle. Families living on the fringes of Beaconsfield should have a clear second choice, as proximity is the deciding factor once siblings are accounted for.
• 11 plus Focus: The school's high performing peer group means the 11 plus transfer test is a significant focus for many families. This creates an aspirational atmosphere but can also lead to a high pressure environment in Year 5 and 6.
• Church Influence: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Families should be comfortable with daily collective worship and the integration of Christian values into the curriculum.
• Improved Ofsted Status: While the school previously struggled, the 2025 inspection confirms it is now Good with Outstanding personal development. Parents can feel confident in the current leadership trajectory.

St Mary and All Saints CofE Primary School is a high attaining institution that has successfully translated its traditional values into exceptional academic results. It sits in the elite tier for outcomes, making it one of the strongest state options in Buckinghamshire. Best suited to local Beaconsfield families who want a disciplined, faith based education that prepares children effectively for the selective secondary system. The main hurdle is the sheer level of competition for the 60 annual places.