St Faith’s Church of England Primary School, located in Winchester, Hampshire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place on 27 and 28 February 2024, and the school has been recognized for its strong performance in various areas, including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision, which were rated as outstanding. The quality of education and leadership and management were rated as good.
The school has a clear set of values that include courage, trust, love, and hope, which are integral to the school culture and decision-making processes. Pupils are encouraged to strive for excellence and demonstrate resilience in their learning. The school has high expectations for its students, and this is reflected in their achievements, particularly in reading and mathematics. The environment at St Faith’s is described as happy and supportive, with pupils showing enthusiasm for learning and maintaining respectful relationships with peers and staff.
Pupils exhibit considerate behaviour and a sense of kindness that contributes to a harmonious atmosphere during social interactions. They enjoy their playtimes and actively engage in various activities, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. Leadership opportunities are abundant, allowing pupils to take on roles such as digital leaders and eco-warriors, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility and care for their school and community.
The curriculum at St Faith’s is well-structured, providing a clear sequence of knowledge that pupils need to acquire. The early years provision is particularly effective, with children demonstrating exceptional concentration and engagement in their learning activities. The school’s assessment practices are robust, especially in early reading and mathematics, enabling teachers to identify and address any learning gaps promptly. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in some foundation subjects where assessment strategies could be refined to better support pupil progress.
Reading is a priority at St Faith’s, with a strong emphasis on phonics instruction. Teachers are well-trained to deliver effective phonics lessons, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, develop strong reading skills. Behaviour management is another strength of the school, with a focus on teaching positive behaviour and effective learning strategies from an early age. This proactive approach results in pupils displaying excellent conduct and a positive attitude towards their education.
The personal development of pupils is prioritized, with a rich array of experiences that promote empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The school actively engages in local and global initiatives, encouraging pupils to understand and appreciate the wider world. Governance at St Faith’s is strong, with governors providing effective support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring that the school continues to strive for excellence.
The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, contributing to a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. While the school has many strengths, it is encouraged to continue refining its assessment practices in foundation subjects to enhance the overall learning experience for its pupils. The commitment of the school leadership to continuous improvement is evident, and the positive relationships with parents further support the school’s mission to provide the best possible education for its students.
