Thrupp School, located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 12, 2019. The headteacher leads the school with enthusiasm, supported by a dedicated team of staff who prioritize the welfare and education of the pupils. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment, which is highly valued by parents and carers who appreciate the supportive and approachable nature of the staff. The school plays a significant role in the local community, and parents express a strong sense of satisfaction with the education provided, often highlighting the family-like atmosphere.
Pupils at Thrupp School exhibit polite and respectful behavior, reflecting the high expectations set by the adults in the school. They feel safe and supported, with a strong trust in the staff to address any issues that may arise. The school provides engaging learning experiences that motivate pupils and contribute to their academic success. The school’s vision encourages pupils to strive for their best, fostering a sense of pride in their attendance.
The curriculum at Thrupp School is broad and inspiring, designed to spark curiosity among pupils. Recent revisions have made the curriculum more demanding, particularly in subjects like history, allowing pupils to build essential knowledge and skills. Teachers effectively plan lessons that are well-sequenced, enabling pupils to progress in their learning. For instance, pupils learn about significant historical events and reflect on their impact on people's lives. However, school leaders recognize the need to fully embed updated subject plans to ensure pupils develop a deeper understanding of the material.
Reading is a key focus at Thrupp School, with pupils encouraged to read regularly both at home and in school. This practice helps them become confident and fluent readers. While effective teaching enhances vocabulary and comprehension, some older pupils have expressed a desire for more opportunities to have adults read to them and to select books from the school library. In mathematics, pupils practice and improve their skills regularly, with clear explanations from teachers aiding their understanding.
The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development effectively. Activities such as cooking and forest school provide valuable life skills and experiences. The leadership and management of the school are strong, with leaders working collaboratively with staff to meet the needs of pupils. Staff feel respected and valued, and governors actively monitor the school’s performance.
Since the last inspection, improvements have been made in the early years, with children in Nursery and Reception settling well and demonstrating good behavior. They engage in play and learning with enthusiasm, developing secure reading skills through effective teaching.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thrupp School are effective, with adults prioritizing the safety of pupils. Leaders and teachers know the pupils well and provide necessary support to families. Pupils feel safe and are confident in approaching adults with any concerns.
To enhance the educational experience further, the school needs to provide more opportunities for Key Stage 2 pupils to listen to adults read and to select from a wider range of library books. This will help foster a greater enjoyment of reading. Additionally, leaders must continue to ensure that the sequences of teaching allow pupils to deepen their knowledge and skills as they progress through the curriculum. Overall, Thrupp School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
