St Blaise C of E Primary School, located in Milton Heights, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 24, 2024. The school is committed to being at the heart of its growing community, providing a safe, happy, and inclusive environment for its pupils. The core values of the school—reflecting love, respect, creativity, determination, confidence, and kindness—are evident in all aspects of school life. Staff maintain high expectations, and as a result, pupils achieve well academically. The school environment is enriched with displays that celebrate pupils' learning across various subjects, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among students.
From the Reception Year onward, pupils exhibit cheerful and inquisitive attitudes towards learning. The school emphasizes high standards of behavior, encouraging pupils to be thoughtful and respectful towards one another. Pupils feel secure knowing there is always someone available to discuss any concerns they may have. During break times, they engage in a variety of enjoyable activities, contributing to a well-rounded school experience.
St Blaise offers numerous opportunities for pupils to develop into well-rounded individuals and citizens. Activities include residential trips, visits to the onsite science garden, and excursions to wildlife parks, alongside charity support initiatives. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the school's commitment to fostering happy and thriving children.
The curriculum at St Blaise is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that children in Reception receive a strong foundation that continues throughout their education. The nurturing environment, combined with clear boundaries and high levels of support, allows pupils to flourish. Teachers carefully select activities that enhance pupils' skills and knowledge, as demonstrated by a project where Reception children create collages inspired by the work of artist Matisse.
Staff members possess secure subject knowledge, which they utilize to present information clearly, enabling pupils to connect new learning with prior knowledge. Regular assessments help staff gauge pupils' understanding, allowing for timely adjustments to teaching methods. Pupils are motivated and eager to participate in lessons, taking pride in their learning experiences. The school is dedicated to continuous improvement, routinely evaluating and refining the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. Staff collaborate closely with external professionals to provide appropriate support tailored to individual needs. Reading is prioritized, with a consistent approach to phonics instruction that helps pupils develop a love for reading. Any gaps in knowledge are quickly addressed, and various activities promote reading engagement.
Beyond academics, pupils are taught about healthy relationships, diversity, equality, and tolerance, aligning with the school's values. They learn to respect differences and express alternative viewpoints maturely. A range of extracurricular activities and after-school clubs further supports pupils in exploring their interests and talents. The school prioritizes attendance, monitoring patterns closely and taking action to address any issues.
Governance at St Blaise is characterized by passion and a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. Staff appreciate the support provided for their well-being and workload, allowing them to focus on effective teaching. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, there is a need to refine the curriculum in a few subjects to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly defined and effectively assessed. This will support pupils in retaining important information and enhance their overall learning experience.
