St John's CofE (A) Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Leaders at St John’s Primary aspire for pupils to ‘Live life to its fullest’. They set high expectations for pupils’ learning, behaviour and personal development. For the most part, pupils rise to these high aspirations. Behaviour has improved significantly since the previous inspection. Pupils behave well in lessons and at social times. They say that one of the best things about their school is that ‘everyone is kind’. Warm, positive relationships help staff get to know pupils quickly, which matters because many pupils join or leave at different points in their education. Bullying is extremely rare and staff deal with it effectively. Leaders work hard to ensure that pupils achieve well. This work is showing positive results, although some pupils have gaps in important knowledge about writing. Pupils enjoy learning and want to do well. Spoken language is a key priority so that pupils develop vocabulary to help them to learn well. Pupils understand the school’s ‘STAR’ values. These are celebrated regularly and pupils confidently explain the importance of ‘safe’, ‘team’, ‘achieve’, ‘respect’ and ‘smile.’ As a result, pupils feel safe and develop a strong sense of belonging, however long they attend the school for. Parents and carers agree. One comment summed up the views of many when they stated, 'Staff know their pupils well and create a very nurturing environment. They also do their best to get to know and support families.’ Leaders broaden pupils’ experiences and raise their aspirations. They want pupils to understand opportunities beyond the local area. Pupils learn about a wide range of careers through links with a local university and visits from professionals such as firefighters, bankers and pyrotechnicians. Pupils think about the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their ambitions.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the teaching of important knowledge and skills in writing enables pupils who have gaps in their writing knowledge to improve the quality of their writing. • Leaders should continue to strengthen support for teachers to ensure that adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are consistently matched to their needs, so that pupils learn well across all subjects. • Leaders should further ensure that subject leaders support staff to deliver the curriculum effectively so that all pupils achieve well in every subject.

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