St John’s Church of England Primary School in Cheltenham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 17 and 18, 2023. The school fosters an environment where leaders encourage all pupils to thrive, resulting in happy students who feel safe and well cared for. The relationships between staff and pupils are nurturing, and parents express satisfaction with the support their children receive to flourish academically and personally.
Pupils find lessons engaging and understand the significance of their learning. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior, which pupils consistently meet, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. The school is diverse, and pupils embrace differences, demonstrating a solid understanding of various world religions. They engage in discussions about important issues and respect differing opinions.
Leaders provide numerous opportunities for pupils to develop skills beyond academics, with clubs such as cricket, chess, and drama. The school has established strong community connections, collaborating with local colleges and participating in literature, science, and music festivals. This exposure helps pupils gain a broader understanding of the world outside their immediate environment.
The school’s leadership has high ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. A broad and ambitious curriculum is in place, beginning in the early years. In most subjects, the curriculum is well-structured, allowing younger pupils to develop a strong grasp of numbers and older pupils to recall mathematical concepts with ease. However, in some subjects, the precise knowledge and order of teaching have not been clearly defined, leading to challenges in long-term retention of content.
Early reading is a significant focus, with staff expertly trained in phonics instruction. Pupils learn new sounds effectively and read books that align with their phonics knowledge. Regular assessments help identify pupils needing additional support, ensuring they keep pace with their peers. As pupils progress, they read widely and develop fluency.
Despite these strengths, some year groups struggle with reading comprehension skills. While pupils are exposed to various skills, the lack of a specified timeline for teaching particular reading skills, such as inference, limits their depth of understanding. Teachers are equipped to support pupils with special educational needs, and leaders provide ongoing training to ensure staff can identify and address individual needs effectively.
Pupils understand the school’s expectations for being caring and community-minded, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. They show genuine interest in their learning and exhibit politeness and good manners. Cooperation is evident during break times, with pupils enjoying a variety of activities and working together on projects.
The curriculum is designed to nurture pupils’ wider development, teaching them about healthy relationships and well-being. Pupils learn the importance of being good friends and how to manage their emotions. The local vicar contributes to the school’s values, reinforcing moral teachings that pupils embody in their actions.
Governors are ambitious for the school and effectively challenge leaders to drive improvements. Staff feel respected and valued as part of a cohesive team. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to risks, ensuring pupils are safe and supported.
While the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to clarify the essential reading skills for key stage two pupils and ensure the curriculum in some subjects is sequenced to enhance long-term retention of knowledge. Overall, St John’s Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
