Wellington Community Primary School in Aldershot, Hampshire, has been inspected and continues to be rated as outstanding. The recent ungraded inspection took place on May 22 and 23, 2024, and while the overall judgment remains unchanged, there are indications that a graded inspection might yield a different outcome. The school has made significant improvements, particularly in English and mathematics, although some subjects still require better organization and embedding of the curriculum.
Pupils at Wellington Community Primary School express pride in their school and enjoy being part of its friendly community. They attend regularly and are encouraged to contribute positively through acts of kindness, such as older students running games for younger children during lunchtime. The school fosters warm relationships between pupils and staff, allowing students to share their concerns and receive strong support.
The school’s values of Ambition, Resilience, and Community are well understood by the pupils, who believe that embodying these values helps them achieve their best. Most students conduct themselves well and adhere to the school’s expectation of making every minute meaningful, which promotes a purposeful attitude towards learning. Opportunities for independence are provided, including residential trips that allow pupils to experience staying away from home for the first time.
Despite the rapid changes that have improved pupil achievement, particularly in core subjects, some foundation subjects still lack a fully organized curriculum. This affects the depth of knowledge pupils acquire across the entire curriculum. The school has identified important knowledge and skills across its broad curriculum, and in most subjects, the sequence of learning is carefully arranged to build on prior knowledge. However, in a few foundation subjects, the curriculum organization is not as effective, leading to gaps in pupils' understanding of key concepts.
Teachers at the school utilize their subject knowledge effectively, explaining new ideas accurately and using well-chosen resources to clarify complex concepts. They employ various methods to check pupils' understanding, although there are instances where these checks are less effective, resulting in some pupils retaining knowledge gaps. The needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are recognized, and while adaptations are made, there are occasions when these do not fully support all students in completing learning activities.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with phonics taught from the start of Reception and progress closely monitored. Targeted sessions are provided for those who struggle, and reading is integrated throughout the curriculum. Pupils express enthusiasm for their class reads and are inspired to explore similar texts independently.
Behavior in the school is calm and respectful, with pupils understanding and adhering to the school rules. Staff in Reception teach children behaviors that support effective learning, and routines are followed during lessons. Pupils feel safe and appreciate the pastoral support available to help them navigate challenges.
Wellington Community Primary School prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain through a tailored personal, social, and health education curriculum. Pupils learn about safety, diversity, and community issues, fostering inclusive attitudes. They are encouraged to voice their opinions, and their contributions to the School Council lead to improvements within the school.
The school demonstrates a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, having made significant strides in curriculum development. Staff appreciate the efforts made to manage their workload, allowing them to focus on delivering quality education. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
