Ely St Mary’s Church of England Junior School, which is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT), received an overall rating of excellent for the positive impact of its distinctive Christian vision and quality curriculum and teaching. 

The rating was awarded as part of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report, which is carried out every five years for all Church of England schools.

It evaluates distinctiveness and effectiveness as a church school, with Ely St Mary’s being rated excellent in all areas, including the impact of collective worship and the effectiveness of religious education (RE).

The report states that the school’s teaching allows children to ‘flourish because the needs of all are met through the fully inclusive and aspirational ethos’.

Headteacher Rachel Clarke said: “I am very proud of this SIAMS inspection result, and I know that our whole school community is too. 

“Our vision is central to everything we do as a school, driving the way we all achieve and flourish. Helping our pupils to develop their connection to the world around them is vital and we are delighted that this report recognises and celebrates the dedication and aspiration the school has to the children’s learning journeys and futures.”

As part of the key findings, inspectors praised the school in a number of areas, including ‘the intrinsic part that spiritual development plays in the schools aspirational and inspirational curriculum’.

Inspectors noted pupils’ emotional development, finding that they ‘think about each other and help each other to show love’ when faced with injustice. 

It also acknowledged the school’s very strong relationship with the local church, highlighting that its collective worship is ‘inclusive, invitational and inspiring and is at the heart of the community.’

Religious Education was also reported to be exceptional across the school and staff were praised for ‘exemplifying’ the school’s biblical roots during the pandemic and school closures.



Miss Clarke added: “We strive to be the very best we can in all areas and have absolute commitment to making sure our pupils flourish and shine. To be graded excellent by SIAMS is testament to incredible hard work of the school’s staff and students and we’ll continue to make sure Ely St Mary’s CofE is a wonderful, inclusive and inspiring place to be.”