Copythorne CofE Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 April 2026

Pupils relish belonging to this close-knit community. They arrive at school happily every day, ready to work hard and to achieve well. Pupils are confident and articulate. They talk with pride about how much they enjoy coming to school, love learning and feel safe. Leaders are passionate about ensuring that all pupils thrive at the school and succeed both socially and academically. Pupils respond well to leaders' high aspirations and achieve well. They speak confidently about the wide range of knowledge that they have learned. The school's nurturing culture helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils benefit from secure, warm relationships with adults and with their peers. They trust the adults in school to help them with any worries or concerns. At breaktimes, pupils socialise well. They enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available that make playtime an exciting and engaging time of the day. For example, pupils benefit from resources that promote imaginative play as well as opportunities to be physically active. Learning how to keep safe is an important part of life at this school. Through the school curriculum and by working with external agencies, pupils learn crucial knowledge about fire safety, consent and how to keep safe when online. Pupils behave well. They show respect towards all members of the school community. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning and sustain concentration. Pupils feel safe from bullying and unkind behaviour. These occur very rarely, but when they do, leaders ensure that they are dealt with effectively. A wide range of additional opportunities enhance pupils' experience. Pupils, including those from disadvantaged groups, access a wide range of extra-curricular activities that broaden their interests and develop their talents. These include sports clubs, drama and dance and French club. Leaders make a concerted effort to ensure that all pupils benefit well from these opportunities.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all pupils secure basic knowledge of handwriting and spelling consistently well.
• Leaders should sharpen the use of effective teaching strategies and adult interactions in all year groups to maximise opportunities to develop and deepen pupils’ understanding further.
• Leaders should ensure that the school’s personal development programme is carefully tailored to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding and prepares them well for life in modern Britain.

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