Dunster First School
13 St George's Street, Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6RXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Dunster First School is a primary school in Minehead for ages 4 to 9. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 17 September 2014, report published 10 December 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 March 2024
There is a strong sense of community at Dunster First School. Staff know pupils well. The school is ambitious for pupils. It is keen for them to develop a sense of belonging, as encapsulated in the school vision of 'looking for the best in everything - then playing our part in achieving it'. The school provides a calm, friendly and caring environment. There are high expectations for behaviour. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning and are keen to do well. They appreciate the rewards they receive for their positive behaviour. Pupils understand the need to practise to get better and to improve. This helps them to develop resilience. Pupils understand what bullying is and say that if it does happen, adults help to resolve it. They know that there are adults to talk to if they have a concern. As a result, pupils feel safe. The school provides a range of experiences to enrich the curriculum. Pupils take part in local community events such as the Remembrance Day service. They help with local beach cleans and charity fundraising. This helps them to learn to be active citizens. Pupils understand the importance of treating others equally and fairly.
What the school should improve
- There is some variance in the implementation of the curriculum, for example in mathematics. Some teaching, including in the early years, is not precise enough to ensure pupils learn the curriculum well. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their understanding, including their mathematical vocabulary. The school must ensure that staff have the subject expertise they need so that pupils develop a secure understanding of the mathematics curriculum.
- The school has not checked the impact of the curriculum effectively in all subjects and phases. This means it does not always have an accurate view of how well the curriculum is implemented and what pupils know and remember. The school must ensure it regularly checks the effectiveness of the curriculum so that it informs staff training, ensures the needs of pupils are met and secures improvements in the curriculum and pupil outcomes.
Pupil numbers and mix
86 pupils on roll, with places for 150
Schools near Dunster First School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minehead Middle School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | 27% met the expected standard |
| Minehead First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Michael's Church of England First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Timberscombe Church of England First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Old Cleeve Church of England First School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 9
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lucy Walker-Blair
- Phone
- 01643821254
- Address
- 13 St George's Street, Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6RX
- Local authority
- Somerset
- URN
- 123643
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.