Shrivenham Church of England Controlled School, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 15 and 16, 2022. The school is characterized by a strong emphasis on Christian values, which are integrated into all aspects of school life. Pupils express a genuine love for attending the school, where leaders and teachers maintain high expectations for all students. The school’s motto, all things are possible for one who believes, serves as an inspiration for pupils, motivating them to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. As a result, students generally meet the high expectations set by the school and exhibit positive attitudes towards their learning.
Behavior among pupils is commendable, with students understanding and respecting the school rules, which they perceive as fair. In instances of conflict, such as minor friendship disputes, school leaders actively assist pupils in resolving their issues, fostering a sense of safety and value within the school community. Bullying is infrequent, and the school has established clear processes for addressing any incidents, ensuring that pupils trust the staff to handle such matters effectively. The culture of kindness and respect is evident, with older pupils often helping younger ones during break times, and students taking pride in contributing to the school environment, even in less enjoyable tasks like litter picking.
The school excels in promoting a culture of reading, encouraging pupils to engage with a wide range of literature. Staff are well-trained in phonics instruction, enabling pupils to read fluently from an early age. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, with recent reviews of foundation subjects to ensure that learning objectives are clear and manageable. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and provide timely feedback, celebrating successes and addressing misconceptions. This approach begins in the Reception Year and continues through to later years, ensuring that pupils are well-supported in their learning journey.
Despite these strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some teachers may not be fully prepared to teach every subject effectively due to the newness of the curriculum in certain foundation subjects. This can lead to gaps in subject knowledge, which may hinder the clarity of instruction. Additionally, leaders have yet to establish a consistent approach for assessing pupils' learning across all subjects, which can result in uncertainty regarding whether key information has been learned and retained.
The school promotes personal development through various extracurricular activities, including residential trips and opportunities to explore creative talents. Pupils engage in community service and learn about democratic processes through the election of a school council. The commitment of trustees and governors to the success of the school is evident, as they actively support staff and foster a sense of pride in the achievements of pupils.
The safeguarding arrangements at Shrivenham Church of England Controlled School are effective, with a strong culture of safety and well-being prioritized by all staff. Leaders are proactive in identifying and addressing any concerns related to pupil welfare, ensuring that families receive the necessary support. Overall, the school provides a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, although attention to enhancing subject knowledge and assessment practices will further strengthen its educational offerings.
