Welcome to St. Michael’s School. Our website gives you information and a flavour of our school which we hope you will find useful. The pupils, staff governors and parents are very proud of our happy and caring village school.

In our recent Ofsted Report the Inspectors said: “This is a good school. Behaviour is good. The pupils much enjoy being in school.

The school's good leadership and management and the commitment of the staff ensure that all pupils achieve well, including new arrivals as well as those who stay in the school for the whole of their primary education. The changing population of pupils presents challenges that the school meets well.

New arrivals are helped to settle quickly and the 'friendly, intimate atmosphere', as one parent described it is maintained. One of the strengths of this school is the commitment to support individuals, and this goes hand in hand with the promotion of tolerance and friendliness. Parents greatly appreciate the sensitive support their children receive, for example when a parent is on active service.

The staff work closely together to sustain the school's inclusive atmosphere. Governors are well organised and have a clear vision of the direction in which the school should go.

Pupils' personal development is also good. They make a strong contribution to the school and local communities, and develop a good awareness of how people in the wider world live. As one pupil said "What I have learned about Ghana is that the people there are as nice as we are." The good curriculum gives them a wide range of experiences to enrich learning and prepares them well for their future lives.

Pupils have a good understanding of how to stay healthy and safe, and feel well looked after. Those in stressful circumstances, both pupils and families, receive strong support from the school.

The curriculum is carefully structured on a two-year cycle to ensure the mixed-age classes benefit from a progressive programme of work. The basic curriculum is augmented by a wide range of activities, including arts weeks, a fair trade day, an environment week and lots of visits and visitors. After school clubs covering arts, science and sport as well as gardening are enthusiastically attended.'

The school promotes strong links with parents through regular formal meetings, encouraging them to come and support work in school and has an open door policy for parents to discuss any concerns.

We are a church school, so our links with the church are very strong. Weekly collective Worship is conducted by a member of the church team. We regularly celebrate festivals and important days at our village church of St Michael’s. Church members are actively involved in areas of the curriculum.

I was very proud that the OFSTED inspectors commented on how well the pupils in school support and look after each other, particularly those new to the school, and how enthusiastically they all talk about their school. Here are some quotes from the children,

“There is always someone to help you.”

“Everyone wants to know you and be your friend”

"My feelings about Figheldean School are that it's a friendly, happy, polite and sensible school."

"Since I have been here I have learnt to be true to myself and I have become stronger."

"I would tell everyone how brilliant and wonderful our school is."

"I know how important good behaviour and kindness to others is in our school."

"It is a kind and friendly place where the children are happy and work hard."

A recent comment emailed to us from a parent,

"Hello, I don't think any one will remember my daughter Georgina. She was at your school from 1997 till 2001. I would just like you to know that she did really well in her Gcse's getting 5A* s and 5A's, Georgina wants to become a doctor and I think she will achieve this. I just wanted you to know that I am so pleased she had such a good start to her education being at your brilliant school. You gave her the best start any parent could have wanted thank you for everything you did for her, My other daughter was also at your school and she looks like she is heading the same way. Once again thank you for everything, I would recommend your school to any one."

Our curriculum enrichment has been judged as excellent-all the pupils in the school are learning French, have specialist PE lessons. We have specialist music teaching in all of the classes as well as offering specialist instrument tuition.

When making the very important decision of where to send your child to school, I believe visiting schools is essential so that you can be sure that the school is right for your child. If you are interested in finding out more about St. Michaels, please ring us and arrange an appointment. Our Head girl and boy would love to show you around our school and give you a pupil’s perspective.