Shurdington Church of England Primary School, located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlights its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school has been rated as good in the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision, while it has achieved outstanding ratings in both behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development. The school fosters an inclusive environment where all pupils feel welcome and valued, particularly those who have joined after Reception or those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents and carers appreciate this warm ethos, which is evident in the positive attitudes of the pupils towards their learning.
Pupils at Shurdington Primary School demonstrate exceptional attitudes towards their education, consistently striving to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. They engage actively in their learning, showing respect for both adults and peers, and take pride in their written work. The school enhances pupils' experiences through a diverse range of enrichment activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Most pupils participate in at least one club, with disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND benefiting significantly from these opportunities.
The school is dedicated to delivering an ambitious curriculum that includes carefully chosen enrichment experiences, which help to build pupils' cultural capital and character. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear knowledge objectives that are broken down into manageable steps. This approach allows pupils to understand the sequence of their learning and make connections with prior knowledge. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a phonics curriculum that begins in Reception and is designed to support all pupils in developing their reading skills. However, there are some pupils who struggle to keep up with the phonics programme, and the support provided for them needs to be more effective in ensuring they achieve fluency in reading.
In mathematics, the school has made significant improvements to the curriculum, identifying gaps and focusing on areas that require more attention. This has resulted in improved outcomes for pupils. The school employs strategies such as 'maths meetings' to help pupils revisit challenging concepts, ensuring they stay on track with their learning. The ambition for pupils with SEND is high, and they learn alongside their peers, although there are instances where the work provided does not always align with their individual needs.
Staff at Shurdington Primary School are well-supported and appreciated, leading to strong subject knowledge and consistent implementation of the curriculum across the school. The commitment to pastoral care is evident, with high-quality support available for pupils, contributing to their sense of safety and well-being. The school has successfully reduced absenteeism, ensuring that more pupils are present to engage in their learning.
Governors play an active role in the school, providing effective challenge and support while ensuring that statutory responsibilities are met. Their strategic vision contributes to a cohesive team working towards continuous improvement. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, creating a positive culture that prioritizes the welfare of pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring that the work provided for pupils with SEND is appropriately tailored to their prior knowledge and needs. Overall, Shurdington Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational environment that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils, preparing them to be responsible and active citizens.
