St John's C of E Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

St John’s is a calm school where staff know the children and families well. Staff greet pupils cheerfully as pupils enter the school. Interactions between pupils and staff create a sense of family and pupils develop a sense of belonging. Clear routines and trusting relationships embody leaders’ expectations. Pupils know staff will listen to any worries they may have. Pupils aspire to do well and enjoy coming to school. Pupils typically behave well in lessons. During playtimes they play ball games or take it in turns to enjoy the rope swing. Pupils feel safe at school because bullying and unkind behaviour are rare. They attend well and have a positive view of school. Pupils build secure knowledge across subjects which prepares them well for their next steps. Published outcomes do not reflect the standards that current pupils achieve in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils with any barriers to learning make progress from their starting points. This happens because leaders are quick to spot and tackle any barriers to learning. Teachers provide extra help for pupils who have gaps in their learning. Pupils learn about perseverance, truth, forgiveness, respect and aspiration. These values help pupils to thrive, including those who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils explain how these values help them to develop positive attitudes to learning. The school provides a wide range of clubs and activities. Pupils enjoy crochet club and the gardening club is well attended. Pupils value the range of roles of responsibilities, including being play leaders and helping to litter pick during lunchtime. Older pupils act as positive role models by guiding and inspiring the younger children. For example, they remind younger pupils about behaviour expectations in the corridor. Older pupils also highlight those pupils who demonstrate the school values during collective worship.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to ensure that the curriculum is taught consistently well so that pupils achieve highly.
• Leaders should continue to embed high expectations of behaviour so that more pupils develop their self-discipline.
• Leaders should ensure that pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity in Britain.

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