St Barnabas’ Church of England Aided Primary School, located in Hart Street, Oxford, recently underwent an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The school serves a diverse community and is known for its positive environment and commitment to personal development. However, there are areas that need improvement to ensure a consistently high-quality education for all students.
Students at St Barnabas’ School are enthusiastic and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Parents and carers engage positively with each other, reflecting the school’s values of encouragement, wisdom, and friendship. The school is inclusive, attracting families from various cultural and faith backgrounds. Student behavior is commendable, with students showing respect towards teachers and peers. Instances of bullying are rare and effectively addressed by school leaders.
The leadership team is ambitious for all students and has made progress in improving the curriculum. However, there are still challenges in delivering a high-quality education, as some students are not reaching their full potential due to underdeveloped curriculum plans. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, especially for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Efforts have been made to strengthen core subjects like English and mathematics, but there are gaps in students’ learning in foundation subjects. Assessment practices in the wider curriculum need improvement, as teachers sometimes fail to check students’ understanding adequately.
St Barnabas’ excels in promoting personal development through a program of personal, social, and health education. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, but attendance remains a concern for some students. The leadership and governance have navigated a period of change, with a new interim headteacher and chair of governors in place. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear systems in place to identify at-risk students and ensure staff are well-trained to respond to concerns.
To improve, St Barnabas’ School must focus on completing the development of foundation subjects, enhancing assessment processes, refining attendance strategies, and providing comprehensive professional development for all staff. The commitment to improvement and the celebration of diversity within the school community will be crucial in achieving the ambitious goals set by its leaders.
