Wingrave Church of England Combined School is a primary school located in Buckinghamshire, serving children aged four to eleven. The school has been recognized as a good institution, with a recent inspection confirming its status. Pupils at Wingrave are enthusiastic about their education and demonstrate a strong desire to succeed. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all students, fostering a culture of curiosity and resilience. This approach encourages pupils to tackle challenges with determination, leading to a deeper engagement with their learning. The ongoing development of the curriculum has prompted students to ask more questions and articulate their thoughts confidently.
The school environment is calm and safe, with pupils adhering to established rules and routines. This positive behavior contributes to an atmosphere where learning is prioritized, and no instructional time is wasted. Students are friendly and supportive of one another, forming caring relationships that extend across different age groups. During breaks, children play together harmoniously, and the dining hall is characterized by a pleasant atmosphere where they enjoy their meals while socializing.
Pupils feel secure and well-cared for, with reports of bullying being rare. The school promotes respect for diversity, and when conflicts arise, staff members are quick to assist in resolving issues. The curriculum is designed to engage and challenge students, with leaders mapping out essential knowledge and skills across various subjects. Teachers receive training to ensure they possess strong subject knowledge, although some areas still require further development in terms of the sequence of learning.
Mathematics instruction is particularly well-structured, allowing students to build their understanding progressively. Early years activities focus on developing a solid grasp of numbers, and older pupils are adept at applying their knowledge to solve complex problems. In contrast, the teaching of subjects like art, design and technology, computing, and geography lacks a coherent sequence, which affects students' overall achievement in these areas.
The school has made significant improvements in phonics instruction following disappointing results in the 2019 screening check. Leaders have revised the phonics curriculum to ensure a logical progression of skills and knowledge, enabling teachers to provide targeted support to pupils who need it. In key stage two, reading skills continue to develop, with adults effectively questioning students to enhance their comprehension.
Children in the early years settle quickly and form positive relationships, demonstrating caring behaviors towards their peers. Staff support their learning through effective questioning that stimulates critical thinking. The special educational needs coordinator is well-informed about the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support to engage fully in their education.
Personal development is a key focus, particularly through the PSHE curriculum, which is thoughtfully planned to promote understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures. Outdoor learning opportunities further enhance teamwork and collaboration among pupils. The school prioritizes safeguarding, with effective arrangements in place to ensure the safety and welfare of all students. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding responsibilities, and pupils are educated about online safety and the potential dangers of social media.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum in certain subjects is sequenced effectively to build on prior knowledge. Leaders are actively working to address these issues, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards of education for all pupils.
