Merton Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 November 2022

Pupils are happy and safe at Merton. They get on well together. Pupils trust adults to help them when they have problems. Pupils are keen to learn. They enjoy their lessons and they work hard. Leaders have high expectations for every pupil. Their determination to inspire pupils to achieve as much as they can is largely effective. As one pupil said, his positive attitude to work was inspired by the visit of an athlete who had told him, 'When things get tough, try harder!' Pupils behave well. They understand and agree with the school rules. Rewards and sanctions for behaviour are fair, and everyone is treated equally. Pupils know that on the rare occasion there is any bullying, this will be dealt with sensitively and straightaway. Leaders consistently promote pupils' personal development as well as their academic achievements. Pupils enjoy and appreciate the wide range of opportunities they have, such as competing in sporting competitions and performing as part of the school choir. They demonstrate care and concern for each other and for their world. Pupils are determined to recycle as much as they can. They collect money, food and gifts for local charities.

What the school should improve

• There are inconsistencies in the teaching of reading for pupils at an early stage of learning to read. Consequently, some pupils struggle to read fluently. Leaders should ensure that all staff have secure subject knowledge and that the books these pupils read are precisely matched to their phonics knowledge.
• In a minority of subjects, the curriculum is not implemented consistently well. As a result, pupils do not always learn as much in these subjects as leaders intend. Leaders should ensure that staff have the training they need to implement the curriculum as intended in all subjects.

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