Church of the Ascension CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 January 2026

Church of the Ascension is a happy place where pupils enjoy learning. This joy of learning begins in the early years. Pupils of all ages feel that they belong because staff make sure that all pupils are valued and made to feel welcome. Where needed, pupils receive well-tailored support for their wellbeing. For example, practical resources such as calming kits and access to drawing and talking therapies effectively reduce any barriers to learning that pupils may face. Pupils are appropriately prepared for the next stage of their education. They attain well in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6 and in the main progress well through the wider curriculum. However, on occasion, differences in how well teachers deliver the curriculum mean that some pupils do not make the progress they should. Relationships between pupils and staff are positive. During lessons, most pupils are attentive and keen to learn. Pupils typically interact respectfully with one another during break times. Incidents of bullying are infrequent and resolved quickly by staff. Pupils' attendance levels are high. Pupils understand how to keep themselves safe in different settings, including in the school's woodland area. They develop a secure understanding of rights and responsibilities through opportunities such as house captains and wellbeing leaders. These experiences support pupils' personal development well. The school provides a growing range of activities that extend pupils' learning beyond the curriculum. These include music lessons where pupils can learn to play instruments such as the tuba and guitar. Pupils relish taking part in creative projects that give them the chance to showcase their artistic flair in the school art gallery. These opportunities help to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum is implemented consistently well across the school. They should support teachers to plan activities that help pupils remember the most important knowledge so that all pupils make strong progress through the curriculum. • Leaders should make sure that teaching provides appropriate ambition for pupils who have already secured the intended learning. They should support teachers to plan learning that enables these pupils, including children in the early years, to deepen their learning. • Leaders, with support from the trust, should ensure that teachers with subject responsibilities have a clear and accurate understanding of how well pupils are learning in their subjects so that they can support staff to improve consistency in teaching, curriculum implementation and pupils' learning.

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