Miserden Church of England Primary School, located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 11, 2024. The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils thrive together, and this is reflected in the positive feedback from parents regarding the care provided to students, including those in the pre-school. Pupils express enjoyment in their studies, particularly highlighting their enthusiasm for geography lessons, such as learning about the Great Barrier Reef.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, with students willingly adhering to routines and demonstrating respect for one another. They engage well in their learning environment, rarely disrupting each other. The school’s values, including perseverance and respect, are upheld by the pupils, who actively support one another and take pride in earning points for their houses, which are named after local farms. This system fosters a sense of teamwork and democratic participation among students.
Miserden Primary offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with a strong emphasis on vocabulary development that begins in the early years and continues through to Year 6. In subjects like mathematics, pupils effectively build their problem-solving skills and confidently use mathematical language. However, in some newer subjects, pupils have not yet developed a deep understanding of the content over time. While teachers with strong subject knowledge deliver effective lessons, there are instances where some teachers lack the expertise to fully support pupils in deepening their understanding or retaining information long-term.
Assessment practices vary across subjects. In some areas, assessments effectively identify misconceptions, allowing for targeted teaching. In others, the school is still refining its assessment strategies, which can lead to gaps in pupils' knowledge not being addressed. The early reading program is a notable strength, with children beginning to read as soon as they enter Reception. The school closely monitors reading progress and provides additional support to those who need it, resulting in confident and motivated readers.
The school has made strides in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that their needs are accurately identified and met. Attendance is generally good, with the school actively monitoring absences and providing support when necessary. Pupils demonstrate collaboration skills, taking turns in various responsibilities and engaging in acts of kindness, which reinforces their understanding of positive social interactions.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured, addressing topics relevant to both younger and older pupils. The school thoughtfully selects books to support personal development, encouraging reflection on achievements and challenges, which fosters resilience and self-confidence. The governing body has strengthened its role, effectively supporting and challenging school leaders to ensure continuous improvement.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is aware of areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing teachers' subject knowledge and assessment practices to ensure that all pupils can build on their learning effectively. Overall, Miserden Church of England Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal growth.
