Headteacher's Welcome

Welcome to Arnot St. Mary Church of England Primary School.  I hope our website gives you a sense of the warmth, ambition and belonging that make our school a special place to learn and grow.

We are a vibrant and diverse school community in the heart of Walton, Liverpool.  Our Christian vision begins with a simple belief: everyone who becomes part of our school family should be loved for who they are, valued as equals and supported to grow in mind, body and spirit.

Our REAL values - Resilience, Equity, Aspiration and Love - guide our decisions, relationships and expectations every day.

• Resilience: we help children persevere, learn from setbacks and develop the confidence to try again.

• Equity: we recognise that children have different starting points and needs, and provide the support and opportunities each child needs to succeed.

• Aspiration: we set ambitious expectations, nurture individual talents and help children imagine the possibilities ahead of them.

• Love: we build caring relationships, celebrate difference and make sure every child knows they belong.

As a Church of England school, we are proud of our links with the Diocese of Liverpool and the Parish of Walton-on-the-Hill.  Our Christian foundation shapes our commitment to dignity, compassion and service.  We warmly welcome children and families of all faiths and none, valuing the experiences and perspectives they bring.

We want every child to feel safe, known and ready to learn.  Our expectations of Ready, Kind and Safe help children understand how to care for themselves, respect others and contribute positively to school life. We work closely with families, listening carefully and offering support early when it is needed.

Our ambition is captured in the words “Every child. Every lesson. Every opportunity.”  We provide a broad, carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge, develops vocabulary and encourages curiosity.  Strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics sit alongside rich opportunities in the arts, sciences, humanities, technology and sport.  Children learn to think deeply, communicate confidently and take pride in their achievements.

Our historic Victorian buildings connect us to generations of learning in Walton.  That history is personal to me: my own grandparents attended Arnot St. Mary around the turn of the twentieth century, when the school was still in its early years. It is a privilege to lead a school that is part of my own family’s story, and to help shape its future for the children and families we serve today.

Today, our library, reading spaces and technology facilities support children to explore their interests and become increasingly independent learners. Specialist teaching in computing and Key Stage 2 Spanish, alongside PE delivered by our LFC sports coach, enriches children’s learning.

Visits, visitors, clubs, performances and opportunities for leadership broaden children’s experiences beyond the classroom. We want children to discover talents, build friendships and make memories that stay with them.

I am proud to lead a school with dedicated and highly-skilled staff, supportive families and children who bring such energy, individuality and possibility to each day. Together, we aim to help every child complete their time at Arnot St. Mary with secure foundations, a strong sense of self-worth and the confidence to take their next steps.

Thank you for visiting our website. I look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Dan Paton
Headteacher