St Stephen's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 May 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to this inclusive school. They arrive each morning to a warm welcome from staff and their peers. Pupils, including children in early years, settle quickly to morning activities. Pupils are enthusiastic about learning and appreciate the variety of ways in which staff make lessons interesting. In the early years, children take part in a rich range of purposeful activities. The early years curriculum provides children with the essential knowledge and skills that they need, ensuring that children are very well prepared for their next stage of education. Generally, pupils experience effective teaching across the school that helps them to achieve well. This includes pupils with visual impairment. Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of the school’s vision, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ They value celebrating this collectively and embody the school's principles in their attitudes and actions throughout the school day. Pupils behave well in lessons and when moving around the school. Pupils understand the school's expectations of them and follow established routines. Bullying is uncommon and leaders deal with it swiftly if it occurs. Pupils are safe at school. Pupils attend school regularly and arrive at school on time. Pupils who experience difficulties in attending school are provided with appropriate and timely support that removes barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom. They take part in clubs, educational visits and sports competitions, such as swimming galas and dance performances. These experiences contribute to pupils' enjoyment of school life.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching across the wider curriculum subjects is consistently effective, so that pupils secure and build subject-specific knowledge and skills over time and are well prepared for the next stage of education.
• Leaders should ensure that staff check pupils’ knowledge and understanding consistently and effectively so that pupils' errors and misconceptions are addressed promptly, helping pupils to secure and extend their learning more deeply.

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