St Michael's Church of England First School
Watery Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Michael's Church of England First School is a primary school in Minehead for ages 5 to 9. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2019.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 11 June 2019, report published 27 June 2019
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 28 January 2025
This is a friendly and welcoming school. Pupils understand the school values, which include love, respect, perseverance and appreciation. They know they can rely on staff to help resolve any issues or concerns they may have. As a result, pupils are safe, happy and well looked after. Pupils behave well. They follow instructions and routines with care. Pupils are kind, helpful and polite. They enjoy positive and productive relationships with staff. The school offers a wide and varied curriculum. Pupils work hard. They talk about their learning with interest and enthusiasm. Most pupils meet the high expectations that the school has for their achievement. Pupils are proud of their school. They have plenty of opportunities to develop their talents and interests across a broad range of clubs and activities. Particular favourites include football, cricket and art club. The indoor swimming pool provides pupils with the opportunity to swim regularly, starting in the Reception Year. Consequently, most pupils are capable swimmers by the time they leave the school. Pupils are encouraged to take an active role in the wider community, which includes maintaining close links with a local care home.
What the school should improve
- A small number of subject curriculums are not as well developed as others. In these subjects, the school's systems for checking pupils' learning are still developing. Consequently, lessons are not consistently adjusted to address any gaps or misconceptions. As a result, pupils' recall and depth of knowledge is not as strong as it could be. The school needs to ensure that an effective approach to assessment is embedded across all areas of the curriculum.
- Pupils' knowledge of the fundamental British values and of a range of world religions is not secure. As a result, they are not as well prepared for life beyond the local area as they could be. The school should ensure that pupils' experiences of a range of world religions and their understanding of the British values are secure so that they are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupil numbers and mix
148 pupils on roll, with places for 150
Schools near St Michael's Church of England First School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minehead First School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Minehead Middle School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | 27% met the expected standard |
| Dunster First School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Timberscombe Church of England First School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Dubricius Church of England VA School | 5 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- MIDSOMER NORTON SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
- Age range
- 5 to 9
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Emma Murch
- Phone
- 01643702759
- Address
- Watery Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NY
- Local authority
- Somerset
- URN
- 142819
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.