St George’s Community Primary School in Portland, Dorset, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 6 and 7, 2021. The school embodies its motto, “Inspire, Believe, Achieve,” which reflects the positive environment fostered by the staff and the high expectations set for the pupils. The school provides engaging and captivating lessons that inspire students to learn and grow. The headteacher and staff maintain clear expectations, which pupils respond to positively, demonstrating good behavior and a strong work ethic. The school community is characterized by respect and politeness, with pupils encouraged to challenge themselves academically.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and deputy headteacher, is committed to ensuring that the school remains at the heart of the community. They aim for pupils to develop a strong understanding of their local area while preparing them for future challenges in a broader context. The staff's knowledge of the pupils and their families contributes to a supportive atmosphere where students feel cared for. Instances of bullying are rare, and when they do occur, they are addressed swiftly by the adults in the school.
Pupils express pride in their school and share many positive memories of their learning experiences. They feel that the school enhances their intelligence and sense of responsibility. Parents also report high levels of satisfaction with the school’s performance. The quality of education is underpinned by high expectations, a consistent approach, and well-structured curriculum plans. From the outset, teachers encourage pupils to behave well, work hard, and persevere, which helps them acquire essential knowledge and skills.
Reading is a significant focus at St George’s, with a structured phonics program introduced early in the pupils' education. Teachers are dedicated to fostering a love of reading, providing regular support and carefully selected texts to build confidence. The school also emphasizes mathematics, with teachers employing various strategies to ensure understanding and retention of knowledge. Pupils enjoy the stimulating activities planned by teachers, which often incorporate educational visits and themed weeks to enhance learning.
The school offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and outdoor learning, which contribute to a well-rounded education. The leadership team is proactive in maintaining high standards and ensuring that assessment systems are effective. Staff morale is high, with leaders prioritizing the well-being and workload of their team. Governors are deeply committed to the school, having personal connections to it, and they work to maintain its supportive atmosphere while also pushing for future growth.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff receiving regular training and clear procedures established. The school collaborates well with external agencies to ensure the safety of its pupils. Leaders actively promote safety awareness among students, who report feeling secure in their environment.
Despite the many strengths, the school recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas. Specifically, the curriculum in foundation subjects requires enhancement to ensure that pupils consistently acquire key knowledge and skills over time. Leaders are tasked with clarifying the intent of these subjects and strengthening the curriculum to meet the expectations for pupil achievement. Overall, St George’s Community Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong foundation for future development.
