Welcome Back!

• There are lots more dates to add to the calendar but we wanted to get these to you as soon as possible to put into your dairies...

2025-2026 Academic Year

INSET Days and Trust Development Days

INSET and Trust Development Days (in red, light blue and purple) are days children are not in school. These are important training days for staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and collaboration across the school and Trust.  They ensure we deliver the best possible education for our children.

Uniform

At St Mary’s we are proud of our school uniform and the sense of belonging it creates. We also recognise the importance of keeping uniform affordable for families, in line with the Government’s policy on reducing school uniform costs.

To support this, our expectation is that every child wears the following St Mary’s bespoke uniform items:

School jumper

School PE polo shirt

School tie for Smart Uniform (Years 1 to 6)

All other uniform items (such as trousers, skirts, shirts, PE shorts, etc.) can be purchased from any retailer. Bespoke versions of these items with the school logo are available, but they are optional. 

We want every child to be able to take part fully in our active learning culture. For this reason, we have a day-to-day uniform for regular school use, and children in Years 1–6 also have a smart uniform for specific occasions such as events, services, and performances. We believe it is beneficial for children to understand the value of dressing smartly for special occasions, as it helps them to show respect, take pride in their appearance, and recognise the significance of important events.

Jewellery – only small stud earrings are permitted. Necklaces should not be worn. Children may wear an analogue watch.

The required St Mary’s logo items can be purchased directly from our supplier here:St Mary’s Uniform – Beat School Uniforms

Non-school Uniform Days

Non-uniform days are always a fun and exciting part of school life. While we encourage children to express their individuality, it is important that their clothing choices are still practical, safe, and respectful of our school community. To support this, we ask families to follow these simple expectations:

No large branding or logos

We want non-uniform days to be inclusive and free from pressure to wear expensive or fashionable labels. This helps ensure all children feel comfortable and equal.

Sensible footwear

Trainers, closed shoes or other sturdy footwear should be worn. Our active learning approach means children are often moving, playing, or learning outdoors, so footwear must allow them to join in safely.

Clothing suitable for the weather

Children should be dressed appropriately for the season — with coats in colder weather, hats in the sun, and layers if needed. This ensures they can enjoy the day comfortably and safely.

No midriffs or strappy tops

Outfits should be modest and practical, so no cropped tops or thin strap tops, as these are not suitable for an active school environment.

By following these guidelines, we make sure non-uniform days remain fun and enjoyable for everyone, while keeping our focus on active learning, safety, and inclusivity.

PE Days

Reception - Thursday

Year 1 - Tuesday & Thursday

Year 2 - Monday & Wednesday

Year 3 - Tuesday & Thursday

Year 4 - Thursday & Friday

Year 5 - Thursday & Friday

Year 6 - Wednesday & Friday

Attendance Matters

At St Mary’s, we know that every day in school makes a difference. The Department for Education (DfE) has made clear that attendance is a critical priority for school improvement, and under Ofsted’s new framework attendance is now graded separately. This reflects the importance placed on ensuring children are in school consistently.

The reason for this is simple: research shows that children with good attendance achieve better academically, build stronger friendships, and develop positive habits for life. Even small amounts of absence can quickly add up and affect progress.

This term we are continuing to focus on building strong attendance habits right from the start. Our expectation is that all children are in school, on time, every day unless there is a genuine reason such as illness.

• School day timings: The soft start opens at 8:35am and all children should be in their classrooms by 8:45am, ready for lessons which begin promptly at 8:50am.

• Reporting absence: If your child is unable to attend, please notify the school office as early as possible on the first morning of absence.

• Holidays in term time: As per government guidance, these cannot be authorised.

Together, let’s make this a year where every child has excellent attendance and is ready to shine their light every day.

Oliver Jr

St Mary’s Highlights: Don’t Miss a Moment!

Stay connected and dive into the excitement at St Mary’s! Our social media pages are buzzing with all the amazing activities our children have been involved in over the past couple of weeks. From vibrant class projects and special assemblies to heartwarming community events, there’s so much to see and celebrate!

Click on our social media links to catch up on all the fun, unforgettable moments, and proud achievements. Don’t miss out—follow us and be part of the joy that makes our school community shine!