St Mary's Church of England Academy is a Christian school which has a long and interesting  history.  First established in the 1860's by Sir Charles Bunbury as two separate schools for boys and girls, with the girls' school being held in the ballroom of the Bunbury's Manor House, the school transferred to its  present site in1902.  Recognising its  historic Christian foundation, the school preserves and develops its strong Christian ethos and religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with St Mary’s Church and the Diocese of St  Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

Our MISSION

The school aims to serve its community by providing an excellent education, which is inclusive and distinctive and of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

The school offers a high quality education, within a safe and secure setting providing an excellent inclusive learning environment where learning is exciting, enjoyable and fit for purpose. Each child is challenged and encouraged to take risks within a supportive enviroment. 

We seek to develop successful, confident, positive individuals who strive to do their best and aim higher.

Sharing our VISION

Everyone at St Mary's Church of England Academy is expected to share this vision with parents and pupils and the wider community.

• we live by our Christian values
• children know right from wrong and behave accordingly
• all members of the school community show positive attitudes to other people, themselves and their peers.

Our AIM

To provide the very best learning experiences within school and work with the wider environment and the community.

At St Mary’s we aim to INSPIRE -       

• our school is welcoming and well cared for
• we see and experience a stimulating and challenging environment
• children's achievements are celebrated in good quality and varied displays
• children are praised for good and outstanding work and so  encouraged to do their best
• resources are well managed, well cared for and accessible to children and staff.

At St Mary's we VALUE achievement for all 

• all members of the school are valued  and respected
• all members of the school show respect for and value others.

At St Mary's we LEARN

• we provide a firm grounding in the Christian faith
• everyone works hard to achieve their best, according to their ability.
• work is well planned; lessons have a clear sense of purpose and are well structured
•  the desire to learn is promoted and maintained constantly with regular constructive feedback
• everyone reflects upon their practice with the aim of improvement - all staff believe they can make a difference and have a positive impact on pupil achievement.

At St Mary's we CELEBRATE

• we celebrate children's individuality and achievements
• we celebrate each others successes
• we encourage others to share in our opportunities for celebration.
• we encourage a love of learning, enjoy a challenge and aim to raise aspirations.

At St Mary's we work TOGETHER

• to achieve the highest possible standards.