The recent national curriculum review has highlighted the importance of enrichment—ensuring that children’s education goes beyond classroom learning to develop the whole child. At St Mary’s, this is already at the heart of what we do. Enrichment is part of how we help every child live out our vision: “Aspiring, Nurturing, Flourishing; together shining a light.”

The Department for Education’s new Enrichment Benchmarks reinforce the importance of this approach. They encourage schools to consider the breadth of opportunities available, how accessible they are to every child, how pupils help shape the offer, and the difference these experiences make to their development. They also highlight the importance of community partnerships and continually reviewing and improving provision. Ofsted considers enrichment as part of its wider assessment of pupils’ personal development and wellbeing.

At St Mary’s, we have been developing our enrichment offer over the last three years, well before these benchmarks were introduced. Our curriculum experiences, clubs, visits, music, sport, leadership opportunities and Changemaker projects reflect these principles. We will use the benchmarks to build on this work, with a continued focus on helping every child participate, discover their strengths and flourish.

We believe that every child should experience learning that excites, inspires and deepens their understanding of the world around them. Our approach to enrichment sits across five key areas:

1. Enriching our Curriculum

At St Mary’s, every subject is designed to be knowledge-rich, inspiring curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. Our curriculum encourages children to explore, question and make meaningful connections across their subjects.

We also enrich learning through half-termly themed weeks, when the whole school focuses on a shared idea or concept. These weeks allow children to investigate big questions, work collaboratively, experience enrichment activities and celebrate their learning in memorable ways.

From Year 1, children learn Spanish, helping them develop early language skills and an appreciation of global culture. From Year 2, all children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, building confidence, expression and enjoyment of the arts.

2. Afterschool Enrichment Clubs

From sport and music to coding and creative arts, our clubs provide children with opportunities to discover new interests, develop skills and build confidence outside the classroom. Our clubs change each term to give children a wide variety of opportunities.

3. Trips and Visitors

We know how powerful real-world experiences can be. Visits and visitors bring learning to life, build cultural capital and help children make meaningful links with their community and the wider world.

4. Leadership Skills

Whether through the School Council, Eco Team, House Captains or Play Leaders, our children learn to take responsibility, make decisions and work collaboratively—key elements of personal development and citizenship.

Because we view these skills as such important preparation for life, every Year 6 pupil holds a Position of Responsibility, giving all children the opportunity to contribute actively to school life and lead by example.

5. The St Mary’s Changemaker Project

Rooted in our Christian vision and inspired by Matthew 5:13–16, this project helps children recognise that they can make a difference. Our Changemakers take action in their school, community and world, shining their light to bring about positive change.

As the national conversation around enrichment continues, we are proud that St Mary’s already champions these principles every day. We will keep refining and expanding our offer so that every child leaves us with rich experiences, lasting memories and the confidence to use their gifts for good.