The Wells Free School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 February 2025

Pupils enjoy coming to this welcoming school, where they feel valued and safe. As soon as pupils start school, they learn how to work together in partners or teams. Staff listen to pupils' views and interests and understand what will help them to thrive personally, socially and academically. As a result, the school is a harmonious and affirming place where pupils can concentrate on their learning. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum and are ready for the next stage of their education. Relationships between staff and pupils are full of warmth and mutual respect. Consistent expectations and routines for behaviour are followed by pupils throughout the school. At social times, pupils of all age groups play kindly together. They concentrate well in lessons, eagerly discussing their learning. Pupils are taught how to recognise their emotions and how to help themselves if they are feeling angry or sad. They know they can always talk to member of staff in school if they are concerned about anything. Pupils are proud of their roles as restorative justice leaders and reading buddies. They contribute to the school community responsibly. Pupils are keen to make a difference in the wider community through organising fundraising events for charities of their choice.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects in the wider curriculum, the school has not fully embedded an approach to successfully checking pupils' understanding. As a result, gaps in pupils' knowledge are not always identified and addressed promptly, which sometimes hinders their ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge. The school should strengthen how assessment is used in these foundation subjects, so that pupils develop a deep and interconnected understanding of the wider curriculum.

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