St Matthews Church of England Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 February 2026

Pupils are happy and confident and thrive at St Matthews because they are surrounded by warm, caring staff who know them exceptionally well. Classrooms are calm, purposeful places. Pupils enjoy learning and feel proud of what they achieve. This starts in the early years, where children quickly learn routines. This helps them to feel safe and settled. Across the school, pupils and staff are proud to be part of a community where everyone is encouraged to do their best. Pupils flourish in the school’s inclusive and nurturing culture. Staff understand pupils’ needs deeply. They recognise the important role the school plays in supporting families. Positive relationships help pupils feel they truly belong. Many pupils attend well. Leaders work closely with families to overcome any barriers to regular attendance. One parent summed up the views of many by saying, ‘The school creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe, secure and happy.’ Pupils learn a broad, rich and well-sequenced curriculum. Leaders identify quickly any barriers to learning that pupils may face and provide timely and effective support. This means that most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, typically achieve well from their starting points. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need. This means they are well prepared for the next steps in their education. The school’s ambition for pupils goes beyond their academic learning. The school’s values are the golden thread that runs through everything. Pupils enjoy a range of experiences that broaden their horizons, from trips and clubs to supporting the local food bank. They take pride in contributing to school life, especially as part of the pupil leadership team. These opportunities help them develop confidence, responsibility and kindness. Leaders are determined that these experiences have a lasting impact on pupils when they leave St Matthews.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should make sure that the agreed high-quality teaching approaches and expectations are consistently embedded in all year groups and across the curriculum, particularly in writing.
• Leaders should provide more opportunities for pupils to develop secure, detailed understanding across the personal development curriculum, especially in learning about different faiths and cultures.

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