Christow Primary School, located in Exeter, Devon, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, maintaining its overall judgment of good. The inspection, conducted on March 26, 2024, indicated that the school might achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were to take place. The headteacher, Amy Yeo, leads the school, which is part of Education South West, a trust overseen by CEO Matthew Shanks and a board of trustees chaired by Graham Austin.
Pupils at Christow Primary School exhibit confidence and enthusiasm for learning, proudly identifying as part of the school community. They engage actively in their education, demonstrating a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The school fosters a welcoming and purposeful environment, where high expectations are consistently met. This positive atmosphere encourages pupils to embrace the various opportunities available to them, both academically and in their personal development.
Parents and carers express satisfaction with the school's communication and the involvement opportunities provided through parent forums. They appreciate the individualized attention their children receive, which contributes to a strong sense of inclusion and support. The school emphasizes the importance of values such as care, compassion, consideration, cooperation, and commitment, which are integral to the pupils' development and preparation for future educational stages.
The curriculum at Christow Primary School is ambitious and well-structured, leading to exceptional pupil achievement. The early years program has been adapted to include pre-school and Reception children, ensuring that staff are equipped to focus on language and communication skills from the outset. The phonics curriculum is effectively implemented, enabling children to become fluent readers quickly. The school identifies pupils who may struggle and provides the necessary support to help them catch up, fostering a love of reading among all students.
In mathematics, pupils enjoy the challenges presented to them and experience success in their learning. The school continually seeks to enhance pupils' fluency in number and their ability to apply prior knowledge. Various strategies, such as retrieval practice and homework tasks, are employed to reinforce learning. Pupils also demonstrate enthusiasm for their learning across the wider curriculum, benefiting from a clear sequence of instruction that supports all learners, including those with special educational needs.
The school prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils, offering opportunities for performance, teamwork, and competition in sports, which build independence and resilience. Pupils articulate their views and opinions effectively, developing a strong sense of identity and readiness to engage with their communities. They exhibit respect and politeness, adhering to the school's high conduct expectations, and demonstrate confidence in the school's ability to manage behavior.
Governance at Christow Primary School is strong, with trustees possessing a deep understanding of the school's operations. They ensure that leadership actions are effective in driving continuous improvement. Staff feel supported in their roles, benefiting from collaboration within the trust and the resources it provides.
The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. This inspection marks the second ungraded evaluation since the school was last judged to be good in November 2014. Overall, Christow Primary School is a vibrant educational institution that successfully nurtures the academic and personal growth of its pupils while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
