St John's Church School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 June 2023

Pupils achieve well at this school. They are expected to work hard and try their best. Pupils know adults will help them to succeed and care about them. They like their teachers. Pupils benefit from access to academic tutors and well-being and sports mentors. They enjoy getting rewards for their efforts. Pupils appreciate having wider opportunities they otherwise would not have. They attend carefully planned trips to broaden their understanding beyond the local area. Pupils especially value the school's emphasis on sport. In addition to lessons, pupils get regular access to specialist sports coaches to raise their self-esteem. Activities like golf and water sports are part of the curriculum for everyone. As well as many sports activities, pupils can attend a wide variety of clubs like art, engineering and gardening. Pupils have leadership roles like 'prayer leaders', 'well-being warriors' or 'maths ambassadors'. Pupils earn badges and postcards for demonstrating the school values and the high standards of behaviour that adults expect. Pupils understand the school rules and routines. Pupils know if bullying happens that adults will sort it out as soon as they know about it. Pupils are encouraged to share any concerns with trusted adults. Most pupils say they do this.

What the school should improve

• In the foundation subjects, work is not always sufficiently well matched to the aims of the curriculum. This means that pupils do not always acquire the detailed knowledge leaders intend. Leaders need to support teachers to ensure the work given to pupils precisely matches the ambition of the curriculum in these subjects and with the depth intended.
• The early years curriculum is in the early stages of being updated to include the recently acquired Nursery. Currently, there is not enough precision in how the early years curriculum builds knowledge from the start of Nursery to the end of Reception. Leaders need to outline the knowledge that needs to be taught in early years and when to teach it. This will then ensure that children are fully prepared for the wider curriculum when they move to Year 1.

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