Calder Vale St John Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 March 2026

Staff welcome pupils warmly at this caring small school. From the moment pupils arrive, leaders make it their mission to get to know pupils thoroughly. Leaders quickly develop a deep understanding of pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities. This often ensures that these pupils’ needs are well catered for. Staff successfully reduce pupils’ barriers to learning or wellbeing. As a result, these pupils benefit from learning conditions that enable them to thrive. In general, pupils progress well through the curriculum from their individual starting points. Pupils enjoy positive working relationships with staff. They say how teachers help them with learning is one of the best things about their school. Pupils enjoy their learning in the knowledge that their teachers support them every step of the way. Pupils are safe under the care of leaders and staff. Leaders ensure that bullying or harassment is rare, taking appropriate action when issues arise. Most pupils attend regularly. They enjoy their learning. They often demonstrate a diligent attitude to their written work, especially in English lessons. Pupils develop an appropriate body of knowledge across much of the curriculum which prepares them well for the next steps in their education. Pupils engage in all aspects of school life. Many access the numerous sporting clubs and competitions on offer, including table tennis and dodgeball. Most pupils undertake monitor duties in their classroom or wider roles like school councillors. They support several national charities and engage in some local initiatives, such as a letter writing project that reaches out to community members that live alone. These opportunities contribute towards pupils’ readiness for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders, including governors, should make sure their approaches to strategically evaluating the quality and impact of the school’s practices and procedures are robust across all areas of their work, so that decisions to act are based on insightful and detailed information.
• Leaders should review and enhance the school’s extra-curricular offer, so that pupils can explore a wider variety of potential interests and talents.

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