St John's Church of England Primary School in Wellington, Somerset, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 7 and 8, 2023. The school is characterized by a positive and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Students express enjoyment in attending the school, highlighting its kind atmosphere and the supportive relationships fostered between staff and pupils. The school’s Christian ethos promotes values such as respect, compassion, and friendliness, which are evident in the behavior of the students. The headteacher and staff maintain high expectations for pupil conduct, and any disruptions are addressed promptly and effectively.
Pupils demonstrate politeness and courtesy, adhering well to school rules from an early age. The school has established a culture where bullying is rare, and pupils are confident that any incidents would be dealt with swiftly by adults. The range of extracurricular activities, including sports and leadership roles such as well-being champions and school council members, contributes to pupils' sense of pride and responsibility within the school community.
The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They have made significant improvements since the last inspection, particularly in curriculum design. The curriculum is well-structured, with a clear focus on what pupils need to learn and when. Reading is prioritized, with a consistent phonics program in place that begins in the early years. Pupils are supported effectively to develop their reading skills, and those who struggle receive additional help to catch up.
Mathematics instruction is also well-organized, with a strong emphasis on developing pupils' mathematical vocabulary and problem-solving skills. Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding in mathematics, ensuring that they can apply their knowledge to more complex tasks. However, in some wider curriculum subjects, assessment practices are still developing, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge over time. For instance, while pupils can recall local historical events, they struggle with broader historical contexts.
The school is committed to supporting the personal development of its pupils, who articulate their understanding of fundamental British values such as tolerance and democracy. They engage in community service, which enhances their sense of character and responsibility. The governing body is actively involved in the school’s improvement, providing support and challenging questions to drive progress.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to risks promptly. Pupils are educated on how to stay safe both in real life and online, understanding the importance of reporting concerns to trusted adults. Overall, while the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for further development, particularly in the consistency of assessment across all subjects and the professional development of subject leaders. By addressing these areas, the school can continue to enhance the quality of education it provides to its pupils.
