Brackley Church of England Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 2 June 2026

Pupils understand and live up to the school's well-established values. They routinely show care for others. In the mornings, pupils greet their peers and staff warmly. Typically, pupils are well mannered and conduct themselves sensibly. When needs arise, pupils willingly help others. For example, pupils set up the dinner hall in preparation for lunch. They also show commitment to the school community by taking up positions of responsibility. On the playground, older pupils serve as 'play leaders', leading games for younger pupils to enjoy. This supports younger pupils to learn the school's values and learn how to play positively. Within the school's caring ethos, pupils feel safe. Bullying is rare. When it happens, staff deal with it effectively so that it stops and does not reoccur. Pupils enjoy school and learning so they typically attend regularly. They have benefited from the improved teaching at the school. As a result, achievement is starting to improve, though there is more work to do. In some subjects, pupils do not achieve as well as they could. Pupils' outcomes in national tests are not consistently in line with national averages. Leaders and staff place high priority on the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders have invested in staff training to ensure that staff know how best to support these pupils. Consequently, these pupils generally do well in school.

What the school should improve

• Governors should ensure that they receive the precise information they need to understand the quality of the school's provision and the perceptions of staff and parents. They should use this information to hold leaders to account.
• Leaders should improve the way they communicate with parents and carers and staff, so that stakeholders understand the roles and responsibilities of staff and leaders in order to gain whatever information or support they need in a timely manner.
• Leaders should help staff prioritise their work so that they do not feel obliged to undertake an unreasonable amount of work.
• Leaders should continue the work to improve the teaching of writing, including handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar, so that pupils achieve consistently in line with national averages.
• Leaders should continue the work to ensure all disadvantaged pupils maintain regular attendance.

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