Egton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on 10 October 2023. The school embodies values of trust, friendship, and respect, fostering a family-like atmosphere where adults know the pupils well and understand their individual needs and backgrounds. This supportive environment contributes to pupils feeling happy and safe, and they, in turn, care for one another. The school maintains high expectations for academic achievement and personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys and life beyond school.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior both in lessons and throughout the school, demonstrating politeness and courtesy. Strong relationships between pupils and adults are evident, rooted in a culture of mutual respect. The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to thrive. A significant number of pupils participate in after-school activities through the Wednesday Club, which includes a variety of engaging options such as dance, cookery, gardening, and sports. These activities help broaden pupils' experiences and nurture their interests and talents, while also providing opportunities for participation in sporting competitions with other schools.
The curriculum at Egton School is broad and balanced, having undergone significant adaptations to ensure coherent planning and sequencing of content across subjects. Teachers are well-prepared and confident in delivering the curriculum, skillfully addressing the needs of mixed-age classes. For instance, in mathematics, teachers alternate their focus between year groups to provide age-appropriate learning while keeping all pupils engaged. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, implementing a consistent teaching scheme and investing in high-quality texts to encourage a love of reading among pupils. The enthusiasm for reading is further fostered by pupil library monitors who share books with younger students.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The personal, social, and health education curriculum does not sufficiently cover certain aspects of fundamental British values, particularly democracy. As a result, some pupils lack a comprehensive understanding of these values in the context of modern British society. The school leadership, including governors, has a clear vision grounded in strong Christian values and actively collaborates with similar schools to enhance educational experiences. They prioritize staff well-being and professional development, ensuring that staff feel supported and valued.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve ambitious outcomes. Overall, Egton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a nurturing and high-quality educational experience, while also recognizing the need to deepen pupils' understanding of British values within the curriculum. The school is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory, building on its strengths and addressing areas for development to further enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
