Welcome
Welcome to St Mary's C of E VA Primary!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our school website – it is our pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to St Mary’s CofE VA Primary school.
We are a vibrant and nurturing community serving the historic market town of Thornbury. Founded in 1837, our school has a long and cherished tradition of creating a caring and supportive environment where every child is known, valued, and loved.
Pupils form warm, positive relationships with staff and each other.
Trusting relationships are at the heart of the school
(Oftsed, SIAMs, 2025).
Serving the Christian and non-Christian communities of Thornbury, our vision and ethos permeate throughout everything we do. At the heart of our vision is the belief that “for nothing is impossible with God.” This foundation inspires us to see possibility in every learner, guides us in supporting one another, and reminds us that with hope, perseverance, and compassion, every child can thrive. Our children develop a strong sense of care and responsibility, expressing gratitude through their actions, while our parents value and appreciate the school’s distinctive ethos.
Our living faith is changing lives and attitudes, creating an aspirational culture full of self-belief.
(SIAMs, 2025).
St Mary’s is a community built on inclusivity, care, and mutual belonging. We strive to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and are encouraged to grow in both character and curiosity. We want our pupils to be courageous learners - confident to ask questions, eager to explore, and ready to challenge themselves.
Our commitment is simple yet profound: we wish to help each child become the very best version of themselves. It is our belief that primary education is the root that nourishes a lifetime of learning. Through our high expectations for behaviour, learning experiences, strong relationships, and our nurturing Christian ethos, we aim to guide every child towards a future filled with hope, courage and joy.
St Mary’s is a special place to be, and we are proud of what we offer. Educating children is an immense privilege and we are committed to continuous school improvement and value working in partnership with our wider community. Our doors are always open so if you’re a current parent, prospective parent or exploring schools locally, please do say ‘hello’, we’d love to hear from you!
Lee Francis
Acting Headteacher