Rowlands Castle St John’s Church of England Controlled Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 15 and 16 February 2022. The school fosters an enthusiastic learning environment where pupils engage actively across a diverse range of subjects. They are encouraged to express their creativity and individuality, which contributes to their development as confident and independent learners. The school community is described as friendly, with pupils easily forming friendships. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, school leaders address them seriously and effectively. In the classroom, pupils demonstrate high levels of focus and motivation, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons.
Parental feedback is largely positive, with many parents expressing satisfaction with the education their children receive. A common sentiment among parents is that the school provides a nurturing and supportive learning environment. The school’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed, allowing pupils to achieve well. Leaders work collaboratively to ensure that the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are met. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly, providing additional support or challenges as needed.
The curriculum is structured to promote clear progression in learning from the early years through to Year 6. While most subjects show evident development in pupils' thinking, some newer subjects require further embedding to clarify learning progression. Teachers intentionally create links between subjects to enhance understanding, such as connecting concepts of pitch in music with sound in science. The teaching of early reading is prioritized, with staff receiving training to deliver high-quality lessons. Reading materials are carefully matched to the phonics being taught, and additional support is provided for struggling pupils, ensuring that all children, including those with special educational needs, learn to read effectively.
The school is in the process of reinstating a full range of extracurricular clubs, which will provide pupils with more opportunities to explore their interests and talents. Current offerings include sports and academic clubs, as well as a calm club for reflection. The school has also established a peace garden, providing a tranquil space for pupils to relax or converse with friends. The leadership team has cultivated a supportive culture within the school, with staff expressing appreciation for the support they receive. Governors play an active role, regularly visiting the school and engaging with staff and pupils to understand the school’s strengths and areas for development.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff receiving up-to-date training. This has fostered a vigilant culture where concerns are promptly reported and addressed. Pupils feel confident in approaching adults about any worries, particularly regarding e-safety. Governors ensure that recruitment procedures are followed correctly, contributing to a safe environment for all.
To enhance the school further, leaders are encouraged to continue embedding the curriculum in all subjects to ensure clear progression in learning. Additionally, consistency in the delivery of phonics teaching, particularly in key stage one, is essential for all pupils to learn to read quickly. Overall, Rowlands Castle St John’s Church of England Controlled Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong emphasis on pupil well-being and academic achievement.
