St John’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School in Basingstoke, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 15-16 October 2019. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils learn, love, and laugh together. Students express enjoyment in various activities, including sports, choir, and educational trips, highlighting their pride in achievements such as qualifying for county finals in table tennis. The school promotes an active and engaging playtime environment, offering a wide range of activities for students.
Pupils at St John’s are articulate, polite, and eager to learn. They appreciate the dedication of their teachers, who maintain high expectations and encourage students to take responsibility for their behavior. The school’s core values of love, respect, and truth guide students in making positive choices, resulting in commendable behavior throughout the school. Students feel safe and supported, knowing there is always a staff member available to discuss any concerns. Instances of bullying are reported as rare, contributing to a secure and nurturing environment.
Leadership at St John’s is effective, with leaders possessing a clear understanding of the necessary steps to enhance the quality of education. They have thoughtfully designed the curriculum, outlining what pupils should learn in each subject and the sequence of knowledge acquisition. This approach is particularly effective in English and mathematics, where early years students are taught essential vocabulary. However, there are areas for improvement in ensuring that the progression of knowledge and skills in some subjects aligns more effectively with prior learning.
Students demonstrate a strong desire to learn, often asking challenging questions that deepen their understanding. Teachers respond well, utilizing their solid subject knowledge to facilitate learning. For instance, in a geography lesson, a student’s inquiry about the Ring of Fire was addressed by connecting it to previously learned concepts. Early years children excel in reading, benefiting from engaging methods such as songs and rhymes, which help them quickly build phonics knowledge. Those who struggle receive timely support, allowing them to catch up effectively.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities thrive at St John’s, thanks to an ambitious curriculum tailored to their needs and high-quality training for staff. The school prioritizes the well-being and mental health of its students, teaching them relaxation techniques and encouraging community involvement, such as food collection for local charities.
The behavior policy is well understood by both staff and pupils, ensuring that lessons proceed without disruption. Leaders maintain high expectations for behavior and do not tolerate bullying. Students take on leadership roles, such as house captains, and actively contribute to their community.
Leaders are committed to professional development, regularly assessing the quality of teaching and supporting staff in their roles. The curriculum has been collaboratively developed, ensuring that all staff understand its purpose. Staff express satisfaction in their work environment, and leaders are mindful of their workload.
The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-informed about procedures for addressing concerns. Strong communication within the safeguarding team ensures that pupils are kept safe, and leaders act swiftly when necessary.
To further improve, leaders need to refine curriculum plans to ensure that knowledge and skills are taught in the most effective order, enhancing pupils' understanding and retention. Overall, St John’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students.
