Ropley C of E Primary School, located in Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school community takes pride in its positive culture, which is influenced by the local history of bees. The headteacher has established a strong ethos centered around the motto Ready, Respectful, Safe, which encourages students to reflect on their learning, relationships, and actions. High expectations are set for pupils, who demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn across all subjects. They actively engage with teachers' feedback, showing a commitment to improving their work.
Daily worship plays a significant role in the school, with students participating in shared stories, songs, and prayers. This practice reinforces the connection between the school's rules and the Christian teachings that underpin its ethos. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive, contributing to a safe environment where students feel secure. The school has implemented worry boxes to help pupils express their concerns, and instances of bullying are rare, with clear procedures in place for seeking help.
The curriculum is well-planned and engaging, particularly in the early years, where leaders have identified key content for students to learn. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and utilize effective questioning techniques to enhance pupils' critical thinking. In mathematics, for example, students are encouraged to explore various methods for solving problems, leading to high achievement in the subject. However, the assessment of knowledge in the wider curriculum is less developed, with some teachers not consistently checking pupils' understanding before progressing.
Leaders are dedicated to fostering a love of reading, starting from the early years. While training is provided for staff on phonics instruction, not all teachers feel confident in this area, which can lead to inconsistencies in teaching quality. Nevertheless, when younger pupils struggle, the school adapts its teaching to help them catch up. The school promotes reading through daily story sessions and offers a diverse selection of books in the library, along with quiet spaces for independent reading. Pupils particularly enjoy reading to the therapy dog, Teazle, which adds an element of fun to their reading experience.
Pupils demonstrate good behavior and respect for one another, taking turns and cooperating during lessons. The school emphasizes positive behavior through adult modeling and a culture of encouragement. Pupils are aware of the dangers of bullying and actively participate in initiatives to promote understanding and prevention. The personal, social, and health education curriculum extends beyond the classroom, equipping older pupils with essential skills, such as first-aid training.
The school offers a variety of after-school clubs and activities, with the school council playing a vital role in decision-making processes. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with high expectations set for their achievement. The headteacher is attentive to staff workload, ensuring they have time for planning and marking, and governors regularly survey staff to understand their needs.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a well-managed system in place to identify pupils requiring support. The headteacher ensures timely referrals to external agencies when necessary, fostering strong relationships with families. Overall, Ropley C of E Primary School continues to provide a good education, with areas for improvement identified in phonics teaching and assessment practices in the foundation curriculum. The commitment to enhancing the quality of education and support for all pupils remains a priority for the school leadership.
