May’s School of the Month takes us to Newton-le-Willows, where we visited St Mary’s Infant and Junior Catholic Academies to meet the staff and pupils who make this school community so special.

Although the infant and junior schools are located on separate sites just a short walk apart, it quickly becomes clear that St Mary’s operates as one united school. The word heard most often during our visit was family-a value that underpins everything they do.

Our visit begins at the infant school, where we are welcomed by Executive Headteacher Mrs Birchall, Infant Academy Head of School Mrs Grange, and Junior Academy Head of School Miss Mowatt. Three enthusiastic children proudly lead us on a tour, keen to show off their classrooms.

The strong sense of family is echoed throughout the school. In every classroom, eager hands shoot up when children are asked what makes their school special. The most common answers are caring staff, friendships, and having positive role models. It’s clear that pupils feel happy, nurtured, and valued.

Mrs Birchall said: “We have great attendance figures and that is down to children being so happy here. They know they belong and are loved, so they want to come to school. We take care of the whole child and make sure that everyone is included.

“We’ve also extended our SEND provision and now support children who may previously have attended specialist schools.”

Miss Mowatt added: “Inclusivity isn’t just focused on our children, but our staff too. We welcome staff from different backgrounds who have varying needs and support. St Mary’s truly is a place for everyone.”

A short walk away, our visit continues at the junior school, where two Year 6 pupils take the reins and guide us around their building. They speak proudly about their school and are keen to show us all areas, particularly the vast outdoor space used for breaktimes, PE lessons, and forest school activities.

The pupils are equally proud of their library and IT suite, which was recently named the runner up school library at the Educate Awards, only pipped to the post by a high school.

St Mary’s Infant and Junior Academies have been part of the All Saints Academy Trust since March 2024. All three senior leaders speak positively about the transition and the opportunities for personal development for staff. The Trust’s motto, ‘Better together, stronger together’, reflects St Mary’s own ethos of family, with all 11 schools working collaboratively as one.

Faith is woven throughout school life. The Infant Academy sits next to the local church, which the children regularly visit as a whole school and a prayer garden is currently being developed on the infant site. School houses are named after Archbishop Derek Worlock and Bishop David Sheppard, representing faiths working together, as well as St Mary and St John, the school’s neighbouring church.

Pupils also take on roles as worship warriors, promoting prayer and leading liturgy within their classes. Children are also given the responsibility of being a ‘buddy’ so no child feels alone, offering someone to play with or talk to whenever needed.

Behaviour throughout the school is impeccable, with pupils motivated by the house points system, with the winning house earning a much-anticipated end-of-term party.

There is also a pupil of the day award presented daily in every class. Mrs Birchall explains: “When pupils are awarded pupil of the day, they receive a wristband so everyone can see their achievement and receive compliments from both children and staff. The children wear them with absolute pride. We also award a staff member of the week as it’s equally as important to recognise the dedication of our team.”

The school council and eco council play a vital role in community engagement. Their Harvest Festival food drive exceeded all expectations, overwhelming staff with generosity. The donations were turned into gift bags for local pensioners and were also given to the local food bank.

St Mary’s offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, ranging from origami, choir, dodgeball, Little Ninjas, craft clubs to Fun Time Friday, and St Mary’s Got Talent. The clubs are so popular, they have been known to sell out in as little as nine minutes.

The lasting impact of the school is evident not only in current pupils, but former ones too. Mrs Grange shares: “We have former pupils return to St Mary’s for work experience. Many tell us they were inspired to become teachers because of their time here.”

So, what’s next for a school that is already thriving? Mrs Birchall reveals ambitious plans: “We’re working towards offering a full wraparound service for two-year-olds and extending our nursery provision.”

At St Mary’s Infant and Junior Academies, it’s clear that children are not just educated- they are cared for, inspired, and nurtured, all within a true school family.