Leaders' Welcome
Mr Matthew Gates
Headteacher
Welcome to St. Andrew's and St. Mark's Church of England Junior School website.
We hope that our site will give you a taste of the life and learning of our school; an outstanding school in which Christian values and ethos permeate and underpin all that we are and do.
We are a thriving community of over 350 children and adults where we aim to equip young learners with confidence, skills, attitudes and qualities to thrive within a Christian environment. This is encapsulated in John 10:10, "I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness." As a school that serves a richly diverse community, we take our responsibility to promote community cohesion seriously and generate a respect for difference and individual rights. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and have a clear understanding and appreciation of a wide range of cultural influences that shape modern Britain.
Close partnership between home and school is a recipe for a child's success and this website is just one link in this important relationship. Our strong supportive culture is due to the real sense of partnership between home and school. Parents, carers and relatives are welcomed into school life; we value their views, ideas and expertise, which help to enrich our school.
We have a School Parliament which is involved in strategic decision making and the information gathering processes. The school also benefits from the support of a growing PTA who work tirelessly to provide additional resources and experiences for our children.
Our staff and governors are committed to providing a high quality education - always striving for excellence. Our website can only begin to give you an idea of what the school is like. If you would like to know more, please contact us by giving us a ring, sending an email or making an appointment to come and see us. We look forward to meeting you and sharing more of the life of our fantastic school.
Kind regards,
Matthew Gates
Mrs Sarah Crowther
Deputy Headteacher and SENCo
As Deputy Headteacher and SENCo, I am committed to fostering innovation in teaching, ensuring high expectations for all, and celebrating the unique strengths of every learner. Through collaboration, respect, and support, we aim to empower our children to grow as confident, resilient, and positive life-long learners who embrace challenge and value community.
We believe in creating opportunities for every child to thrive and shine, ensuring their journey here equips them to lead lives full of potential, purpose, and joy.
Miss Emily Woodward
Assistant Headteacher and
Senior Mental Health Lead
As Assistant Headteacher and Senior Mental Health Lead, I am passionate about creating an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered. By promoting positive mental health and well-being, we ensure that our children are ready to embrace challenges, develop meaningful relationships, and achieve their fullest potential.
Together, we aim to equip every child with the tools they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—so they can grow into confident and fulfilled individuals who shine in every aspect of life.
Ms Laura Dandy
School Business Manager
As School Business Manager, my focus is on creating a safe, efficient, and well-resourced environment where our children and staff can thrive. From maintaining our facilities to managing finances and supporting operations, my role is to ensure that our school remains a place of excellence and opportunity for all.
By working collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider community, I aim to provide the foundations that enable our pupils to achieve their potential, enjoying a rich and fulfilling school experience that prepares them for success in life. You will often see me on the gate greeting pupils, parents and carers at the start of the school day!