Amesbury Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 January 2026

Pupils are proud to attend Amesbury C of E Primary. They appreciate that staff are nurturing and kind. Positive relationships and consistent morning routines enable a calm start to the day. Pupils settle quickly and feel safe. Staff have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. Pupils follow the school rules and live out the school's values effectively. They are polite and respectful, as shown through their daily interactions with one another. They know that any form of discrimination or unkindness is not tolerated. Staff take appropriate action if bullying happens. Pupils have the confidence to talk to adults if they are unhappy or have concerns. Pupils benefit from a variety of opportunities and experiences that the school offers. For example, pupils learn about democracy when they visit the Houses of Parliament. Pupils relish learning about aspirational jobs through careers week. They take delight in representing the school. Choir and band performances at national arenas or local venues are a particular highlight for many. Pupils compete in sporting events. Staff celebrate everyone's achievements. The variety of clubs is wide-ranging. Pupils talk about photography, comic club, creative club and basketball as being among their favourites. Pupils work hard. They recognise that over the last two years, the school has improved a lot. They learn much more now because of effective changes to curriculum and teaching. This is reflected in the quality of work they produce and their achievement in national tests that are broadly in line with the national average. Typically, pupils gain secure subject knowledge in a range of subjects. This prepares pupils well for secondary school. There are occasions when teaching does not extend and consistently deepen pupils' thinking in depth. This is something that leaders are working on.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to consistently design highly effective learning activities that help pupils to deepen their knowledge, skills and understanding so that pupils excel in their learning across all curriculum subjects. • Leaders should ensure that staff in the early years maximise every opportunity they have to engage children, particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, in high-quality interactions that develop and extend their knowledge and vocabulary.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)