St George's CofE First School and Nursery

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

This school is a truly happy and kind place. Pupils belong here. Behaviour across the school is kind and cooperative. On the playground, pupils include each other in the games they play. Pupils understand the values they have been taught, such as mutual respect and tolerance. They live these values in their interactions with each other. Pupils rightly say that bullying is very rare. If it does occur, staff quickly deal with any concerns or issues. The majority of pupils behave remarkably well. The school is at the heart of the local community, taking part in a variety of events, including the Astwood Bank Carnival. The diverse community comes together to share the ethos and caring vision of the school. Leaders' work to strengthen pupils' aspirations has contributed to their positive attitudes and improving attendance rates. While most pupils attend well, leaders are working hard to ensure everyone values education. Attendance is improving and persistent absence is reducing. Staff work closely with families to support pupils in overcoming barriers to attendance. Leaders have taken steps to improve the school in recent times, including for vulnerable pupils. Pupils make a positive start to their education in the early years, where leaders ensure they focus on building pupils’ vocabulary and early reading skills. Pupils now study a curriculum that is designed effectively and suited to their needs. Pupils’ handwriting is worthy of celebration. Over time, the school has worked on ensuring pupils remember more and know more about the curriculum they have learned. Pupils' understanding and confidence to talk about their learning across subjects are improving. Leaders acknowledge that there is further work to do. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, disadvantaged pupils and those with other vulnerabilities benefit from the multiple ways in which the school offers support to ensure their needs are met. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that their work consistently improves pupils' attendance and reduces rates of persistent absence.
• Leaders should ensure that the curriculum, in all subjects, is taught consistently well so that pupils develop and retain detailed knowledge over time.

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