St Anne's C of E Primary School, located on London Road in Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment. With a unique reference number of 131238, the school operates under the local authority of Cambridgeshire and caters to mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 11. The school is classified as a voluntary aided primary school and currently has 204 pupils enrolled.
The recent inspection, conducted on June 14 and 15, 2023, was an ungraded inspection under section 8 of the Education Act 2005. The school has maintained its overall judgment of good since its last graded inspection in April 2014. However, inspectors noted that the evidence gathered suggests that a graded inspection might yield a different outcome, prompting a recommendation for the next inspection to be a graded one.
Pupils at St Anne's take pride in embodying the school's core values of respect, kindness, growth, and nurture. They demonstrate attentive listening and a commitment to their work, although achievement levels vary due to a lack of guidance for teachers on effectively imparting essential knowledge and skills.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils behave kindly and support one another, particularly in their learning and play. Clear rules and routines established in the early years help set expectations, contributing to a culture where bullying is reported as rare. When incidents do occur, staff respond swiftly, ensuring pupils feel safe and supported.
Pupils engage in charitable activities and peer-led worship, enhancing their personal development and understanding of the world. They learn to respect diversity through visits to various places of worship and historical sites, broadening their societal experiences.
St Anne's has made significant strides in prioritizing reading, introducing a new phonics program that aligns with pupils' learning needs. This initiative has resulted in most pupils reading fluently and confidently. However, the curriculum's success is inconsistent across subjects. Staffing issues have hindered the completion and assessment of curriculum changes, leading to gaps in knowledge for some older pupils. Teachers sometimes struggle to adapt their lessons to account for these gaps, impacting pupils' ability to keep pace with their learning.
Additionally, pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) often do not receive adequately adapted activities, limiting their independence and overall achievement. There is a need for improved engagement with parents to support these pupils effectively.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behaviour, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. Pupils demonstrate politeness and respect, and the curriculum is designed to develop their character. They show resilience in challenging tasks and are gradually reintroducing extracurricular activities, such as sports and choir, which were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governors are actively involved in the school's operations, sharing the aspirations of school leaders and regularly visiting to monitor safety and learning quality. They prioritize the well-being of both staff and pupils, ensuring that workload considerations are addressed. The safeguarding arrangements at St Anne's are effective, with thorough checks on staff suitability and regular training for all personnel. Pupils are educated on safety, including online safety, and know how to seek help if needed.
While St Anne's C of E Primary School has many strengths, particularly in reading and personal development, there are areas that require attention. The curriculum needs to be fully developed and consistently implemented across all subjects, with particular focus on adapting lessons for pupils with SEND. Strengthening partnerships with parents and ensuring that all pupils can access the curriculum will be crucial for future success.
As the school prepares for its next inspection, addressing these challenges will be vital in maintaining its reputation and ensuring that all pupils achieve their full potential.
