Rode Methodist VC First School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 9
Ofsted: Good

High Street, Rode, Frome, BA11 6NZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Rode Methodist VC First School is a primary school in Frome 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 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 20 September 2017, report published 11 October 2017

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 March 2023

Rode Methodist VC First School delivers its aim to 'light the spark' in learning for all pupils. Leaders have created a curriculum that is ambitious and well-considered. They provide a wealth of opportunities for pupils that enable them to flourish. Pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school. They commit to their learning and are encouraged to do their best. One parent explained how their child comes home 'brimming with enthusiasm for his topics and chooses to investigate his subjects further at home'. The three school expectations of 'ready, safe, care' help pupils to develop a strong sense of right and wrong. Pupils are polite, well-mannered and actively support each other to learn well. They notice and call out any behaviour that does not meet the high standards expected of them. Bullying is very uncommon. On the rare occasions that pupils do fall out, teachers resolve this early to make sure that things do not escalate. Staff forge positive and nurturing relationships with pupils. They are constantly looking for ways to help pupils develop personally. Initiatives such as 'Fifteen things to try before you are nine and three quarters' build pupils' confidence and foster self-esteem.

What the school should improve

  • In some subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the essential knowledge that pupils need. In these subjects, assessment does not give teachers an accurate picture of what pupils know and what they still have to learn. Consequently, pupils do not develop and secure a deep understanding of concepts and knowledge they need. Leaders should clarify the curriculum and models of assessment in these subjects so that pupils gain essential knowledge across the whole curriculum.
  • The curriculum has not been designed to improve pupils'' understanding of cultural diversity. As a result, pupils do not know about cultures different to their own. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum helps pupils to learn about different cultures and customs.

Pupil numbers and mix

75 pupils on roll, with places for 90

Eligible for free school meals10.7%

10.7%, 15.8 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5.3%

5.3%, 16.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support13.3%

13.3%, 1.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.3%

1.3%, 4.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Rode Methodist VC First School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Beckington Church First School1 mileReport card: Expected standardNot published
Springmead Preparatory School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Norton St Philip Church of England First School2 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Southwick Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good62% met the expected standard
Berkley Church of England First School3 milesReport card: Expected standardNot published

School details

School type
Voluntary controlled school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 9
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Methodist
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mrs Georgina Muxworthy
Address
High Street, Rode, Frome, BA11 6NZ
Local authority
Somerset
URN
123823

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.