St Martin's School, Brentwood visited by Ofsted inspectors

The education standards watchdog has released its report following an inspection of St Martin's School in Hanging Hill Lane, Hutton. 

A school inspection was conducted on September 24, with the findings being made available to the public on November 13. 

It comes after the government announced in September that single word judgements would be removed from inspection reports of state schools. 

Schools continue to be rated across four sub-categories including the quality of education, outstanding behaviour and attitudes, outstanding personal development, and outstanding leadership and management. 

St Martin's School was found to be 'outstanding' in its leadership and management and 'good' in all other areas. 

Inspectors found that pupils at the school were very polite (Image: Google Maps) Inspectors noted that "rapid improvements" have been made at the school following "considerable changes to the leadership".

Such improvements have also been picked up on by pupils. 

Ofsted reported: "Older pupils talk about how much better the school has become in recent years following a purposeful drive from leaders to increase standards." 

Executive headteacher Jamie Foster took over the leadership of the school in September 2023, bringing with him a new senior leadership team. 

Culture at St Martin's has been described as "very supportive", with pupils across key stages including sixth form working in "a friendly and calm environment". 

The school's ethos ‘to be the best you can be’ has been well established across year groups, Ofsted found.

Pupils also received high praise in the report after inspectors noted they are "incredibly well mannered and polite". 

"Pupils know that they will be challenged and supported to be successful," the report said.

"They appreciate that their teachers push them to achieve well."

School's will no longer receive a one-word judgement report under recent changes (Image: St Martin's School) The school curriculum has been described as "ambitious" and Ofsted have advised that "leaders must ensure that all teachers give all pupils appropriate opportunities to meet the intended ambition of the curriculum". 

Inspectors also noted that pupils who struggle to read with confidence do not "consistently receive the most appropriate support to help them catch up". 

The report states: "The school needs to ensure that the weakest readers are given the support they need to quickly become fluent readers."

READ MORE: The 'caring' Upminster secondary school where pupils 'thrive'

Executive headteacher Mr Foster told this paper: “This is about the school community coming together and deciding we simply want a great environment for our young people.

“Having great teachers delivering consistently good lessons is vital, but equally the opportunities at the school for wider personal development are truly exceptional.

“I am proud to have the honour of leading this wonderful school.”