St John's VA Church of England Primary School in Thornham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 October 2022. The school community, including pupils, parents, and carers, expresses pride in being part of this welcoming environment. Pupils highlighted the numerous opportunities available to them, such as participating in clubs, taking on leadership roles, and engaging in outdoor learning. They feel supported by staff in their educational journey and believe that by upholding the school's values and striving for their best, they can achieve their goals.
The leadership team at St John's maintains high expectations for pupil achievement and ensures that all students benefit from a well-structured curriculum. Children in the early years and pupils in key stages one and two are achieving well, with their classroom learning complemented by broader developmental opportunities that prepare them for future educational stages. The school is inclusive, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are integrated into all aspects of school life.
Pupils are aware of the behavioral expectations set by leaders and demonstrate good behavior both in class and throughout the school. They care for one another, with older pupils looking out for their younger peers during break times to ensure a safe and happy environment. Staff are described as kind and caring, and pupils trust that any incidents, including bullying, will be addressed appropriately. The school promotes a culture of accountability, encouraging pupils to apologize and rectify unkind behavior.
The curriculum at St John's is ambitious and engaging, allowing pupils to build a solid foundation of knowledge as they progress through their education. Leaders ensure that the curriculum aligns with national standards, enabling pupils to develop their knowledge systematically, particularly in mixed-age classes. However, in a few subjects, the guidance provided to teachers lacks clarity regarding the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire at various stages. This sometimes leads to an overwhelming amount of new information being presented in lessons, which can hinder some pupils' ability to recall prior learning and build upon it effectively.
In most subjects, leaders successfully communicate the learning objectives and the sequence in which they should be taught, especially in reading. The school prioritizes developing pupils into proficient and fluent readers by the end of key stage two. Pupils enjoy reading their own books and listening to high-quality texts shared by their teachers, which enhances their vocabulary and supports their overall learning.
Phonics instruction begins in the Reception Year, and once pupils grasp phonics, they work on reading fluency. Regular practice with appropriate reading materials, along with skilled staff support, helps pupils develop strong reading skills. Leaders ensure that those who struggle with reading receive targeted support to catch up with their peers, and staff are well-trained to identify gaps in phonics knowledge.
Leaders effectively support teachers in recognizing pupils who may have special educational needs, allowing for tailored assistance that leads to positive outcomes. The positive behavior of older pupils serves as a model for younger children, fostering a focused learning environment.
The school places a strong emphasis on the wider development of pupils, promoting positive self-esteem and respect for diversity. However, pupils' understanding of cultures beyond their immediate experience is limited, indicating a need for improvement in preparing them for life in a diverse society. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging school leaders to maintain high educational standards, and regular checks on curriculum delivery ensure that staff feel supported in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements at St John's are effective, with staff well-informed about keeping pupils safe and identifying potential risks. Pupils benefit from outdoor learning experiences, where they learn to use tools safely and understand online safety. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for further development in specific subjects and cultural understanding to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
