St Mark’s RC Primary School is a denominational school with a nursery class. It serves an area in the south of Edinburgh. The roll was 223, including 51 in the nursery, when the inspection was carried out in May 2010. Children’s attendance was in line with the national average in 2008/2009. The headteacher has been in post since August 2009.

Particular strengths of the school

• Confident children who are proud of the school.
• The headteacher’s approach to identifying the major areas needing improvement and early steps to change practice in the school.

Children have regular opportunities to take part in religious observance in school and in the parish church. The parish priest has worked positively with staff to develop the religious life of the school.

The following areas for improvement have been agreed with the school and education authority:

• Improve learning experiences to better meet children’s needs, to provide appropriate depth and challenge, and to ensure that attainment is secure.
• Develop and improve the curriculum to ensure continuity and progression in children’s learning, taking account of Curriculum for Excellence.
• Staff need to become fully involved in self-evaluation and working together and with partners to improve children’s learning and achievement.
• Improve transition arrangements from the nursery to the primary school.