St Nicolas' CofE VA School, Downderry

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

St Nicolas is a joyful and inspirational school. Staff ensure they bring learning to life. For example, it utilises local artists to demonstrate their creative processes. Pupils learn about life cycles by caring for the school's ducks in the 'Quack Shack'. As a result, pupils have a deep passion for their learning. The school's success is built on an exceptional offer beyond the academic. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) participate fully in these. The school's beachfront location is virtually an extension of the classroom. Extra- curricular activities are carefully considered. They link carefully to both academic learning and in developing pupils' character. The school also extends pupils' experiences beyond its immediate locality. Residential visits to Cardiff and London help pupils understand the diversity of modern Britain. The school's approach to developing the whole child can be seen in pupils' behaviour. There is a culture of mutual respect between staff and pupils. When speaking to visitors, they are exceptionally polite. Pupils are self-motivated to do well. Consequently, staff rarely need to remind them of their high expectations. Bullying is not an issue. Pupils understand how people can be different. They talk sensitively about how some of their peers sometimes need extra support.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, teachers' expectations of what pupils can do are not high enough. When this occurs, pupils do not recall their knowledge well in the long term. The trust should ensure that staff are supported to take into account what pupils can already do so that they provide work to help them learn and remember the curriculum with the same depth of knowledge as in other areas.

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