St Stephen's CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 March 2026

St Stephen’s provides a welcoming school where everyone feels valued. Pupils, especially those who experience barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing, receive tailored support to reduce difficulties that they may face and build their sense of belonging. They know that pastoral support, alongside Herbie, the school dog, is always on hand to help them with any worries they may have. Staff know pupils well through trusting relationships. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are thoughtfully considered by staff so they benefit from all aspects of school life. Pupils have an interest in learning and typically achieve well. However, teachers do not consistently make sure that pupils remember the most important knowledge and skills across subjects. While changes have been made in the curriculum, the variability in teaching hinders pupils’ progress. Leaders have not acted quickly enough to make sure this improves. Despite this, pupils leave school well prepared for secondary education. Pupils are happy in school and attend regularly. They generally behave well within the classroom and at social times. Recent changes to playtime are steadily reducing incidents of unacceptable behaviour. However, not all staff in school have the same high expectations for behaviour. Leaders do not have a clear oversight into serious incidents in order to prevent them. Although bullying is not frequent, pupils know that adults are there to help and would not allow it to continue. Pupils relish opportunities to have their voices heard in their school and local community through roles such as school councillors and play ambassadors. They thrive in working hard to receive their school award for modelling positive cooperative behaviour. They learn to keep safe, including when using the internet, and are well informed about ways of forming healthy relationships. Pupils are fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that they have a clear oversight of all areas of the school’s work so that, where an area falls short of the expected standard, they are able to address the precise issues in a timely and effective way.
• Leaders should develop teaching expertise so that pupils are consistently taught in a way which supports them to build knowledge and skills across subjects and year groups.
• Leaders, including governors, should ensure that they have a robust oversight of incidents of child-on-child violence and that accurate reporting and record-keeping facilitate their monitoring to reduce incidents.
• Leaders should ensure that all staff share the same high expectations for behaviour and consistently apply the behaviour policy to swiftly address unacceptable behaviour and ensure a calm and orderly environment across the school day.

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