Shiplake Church of England School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 July 2026

Pupils are happy and achieve highly at this caring school. Staff and pupils have warm relationships with each other which helps pupils to feel safe, grow in confidence and develop a clear sense of belonging. Pupils' learning and wellbeing needs are understood thoroughly. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported expertly from the very start of their education journeys. Pupils’ behaviour is excellent. Pupils settle quickly into their lessons and learning activities each day. Pupils are kind and thoughtful towards each other. They model positive attitudes to their learning. They know the school’s values and demonstrate them through their actions routinely. Bullying is not a part of school life. Pupils are confident that any issues at school would be dealt with quickly and fairly. Pupils know that there is always someone they can speak to if they have any worries or concerns. Pupils attend school regularly. If pupils are at risk of lower attendance leaders work closely and supportively with parents and carers. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding across the curriculum successfully. From the beginning of the early years, children learn the curriculum extremely well. Pupils enjoy a wide range of subjects and learning activities that are sequenced effectively to help pupils know and remember more. For example, in science pupils learn deeply about topics such as electricity, the human body, and the circulatory system as well as learning about Charles Darwin and evolutionary adaptations. Educational visits and visiting speakers to the school enhance the curriculum thoughtfully. Reading is prioritised. Fluent word reading, spelling and mathematics are taught very effectively. Children in Nursery and Reception Year make a very positive start and grow in their confidence and independence. Pupil's outcomes in national tests, including the Year 1 phonics screening check, are consistently above national averages. All pupils make very positive progress from their starting points.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should sustain and build on their existing work to further develop handwriting across the curriculum.
• Leaders should refine their highly effective provision for personal, social and health education to further strengthen pupils’ detailed knowledge and understanding.

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