Bonners CofE School in Maresfield, East Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to the academic and personal development of its pupils, with staff and governors dedicated to maintaining high standards across all areas of school life. Pupils report feeling safe and happy, benefiting from exceptional early years provision that lays a solid foundation for their education. The nursery staff prioritize language development, utilizing songs, rhymes, and stories to create engaging learning environments that particularly support disadvantaged pupils.
By the end of key stage two, nearly all pupils achieve high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school fosters positive relationships among pupils and staff, with a well-understood behavior policy that is applied consistently. A wide range of extracurricular activities is available, promoting confidence, independence, and readiness for future educational stages. Pupils take on various roles and responsibilities, such as pupil governors and play leaders, which enhances their sense of community and support for one another. The school takes bullying seriously, addressing incidents promptly and effectively, which contributes to good attendance and punctuality among pupils.
The school’s values of kindness, love, and respect are well-known among pupils, who can articulate their meanings. The curriculum is enriched through local activities and visits, including author engagements and outdoor learning experiences. This approach significantly enhances pupils' learning. The school collaborates effectively with the local church and volunteers, positively impacting pupils' broader development. Pupils express enthusiasm for various clubs, including drama, netball, archaeology, and music, with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs benefiting from inclusive activities.
While the core subjects are taught effectively, with strong teaching in English and mathematics, some pupils with special educational needs do not have sufficiently precise targets to maximize their achievement. The curriculum in core subjects is robust, with a focus on fostering a love of reading and developing mathematical skills through carefully sequenced lessons. However, in wider curriculum subjects, while knowledge is being developed, some pupils are not achieving to their full potential due to inconsistencies in teaching methods that do not always promote deep learning.
The school maintains effective communication with parents and carers, who appreciate the support provided to all children. Staff feel supported in their roles, contributing to a close-knit community atmosphere. Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, providing both support and challenge to school leaders while prioritizing pupil achievement and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Bonners CofE School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school needs to enhance its support for pupils with special educational needs by identifying their learning needs more precisely. Additionally, improvements are needed in some foundation subjects to ensure that all pupils build on their prior knowledge and achieve to the best of their abilities. Overall, Bonners CofE School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of its pupils.
