St Peter’s Church of England Primary School is a smaller-than-average primary school located in Ardingly, West Sussex. The school has undergone significant improvements since its last inspection in March 2017, where it was deemed to require improvement. The recent inspection in July 2019 rated the school as good in all areas, including leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior and welfare, outcomes for pupils, and early years provision.
The leadership team, led by the headteacher and supported by the deputy, has effectively raised the quality of teaching and improved pupil outcomes. The governing body has strengthened its role, demonstrating a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. Current pupils are making good progress in reading, writing, and mathematics, with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities consistently achieving well due to tailored support.
Pupils exhibit a keen interest in learning and demonstrate good behavior throughout the school. They engage attentively in lessons and collaborate well with peers, reflecting the school’s values. The quality of teaching is strong, with teachers displaying secure subject knowledge and planning engaging lessons that deepen pupils’ understanding. Teaching assistants provide effective support, ensuring that all pupils’ needs are met, particularly those with SEND.
The curriculum is broad and balanced, incorporating local trips to enhance learning experiences. However, there is a need for improvement in the sequential development of subject-specific skills across the wider curriculum, as some pupils, especially the most able, are not achieving their full potential. The early years setting is also rated as good, with children making progress across various areas, although phonics teaching sometimes lacks alignment with individual needs.
To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that learning sequences in the wider curriculum build on pupils’ subject-specific skills, enabling more pupils to achieve high standards. Additionally, enhancing phonics achievement in the early years is essential. The school has established a strong safeguarding culture, with staff trained to identify and address any concerns, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported.
Overall, St Peter’s Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the effective leadership, quality teaching, and positive outcomes for pupils. The school fosters a supportive community where pupils thrive academically and socially, preparing them well for their future education. The strong emphasis on personal development and welfare contributes to a nurturing environment, making the school a positive place for learning. Parents express satisfaction with the school, appreciating the community atmosphere and the care provided to their children. The school’s focus on high expectations and tailored support for all pupils positions it well for continued success in the future.
