St Christopher’s Church of England School in Cowley, Oxford, has recently undergone an inspection, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which serves a diverse community, is committed to inclusivity and provides a nurturing environment for all pupils and their families. The leadership team, headed by James Veness and executive headteacher Katie Screaton, has made significant strides since the previous inspection, where the school was rated as requiring improvement. The school is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, which supports its governance and operational management.
The school’s ethos is centered around values such as nurture, love, belonging, respect, and courage. These values are reflected in the behavior of the pupils, who are described as polite, well-mannered, and respectful. The school promotes high expectations for behavior and academic achievement, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language. Staff members are dedicated to understanding the individual needs of each pupil, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Pupils at St Christopher’s School enjoy a rich educational experience, with a broad and ambitious curriculum that has been carefully structured to meet the needs of all learners. The school has prioritized improving reading and mathematics, addressing previous shortcomings in these areas. Staff training has been targeted to enhance subject knowledge, and assessment practices have been refined to ensure that pupils can demonstrate their understanding effectively. While progress has been made, there are still some subjects where assessment could be improved to ensure that all pupils retain the knowledge they have learned.
Reading is a particular strength of the school, with a strong culture of reading fostered throughout. Daily reading sessions and book recommendations from staff encourage a love of literature among pupils. The early years provision is also commendable, with children quickly learning phonics and developing their reading skills through engaging and well-structured activities.
The school’s provision for pupils with special educational needs is robust, with regular monitoring to ensure that support is tailored to individual requirements. Pupils are equipped with strategies to manage their emotions and behavior, contributing to a sense of inclusion and achievement.
Attendance is another area where the school has made significant improvements. The leadership team has implemented rigorous systems to promote high attendance rates, and they actively support families facing challenges in ensuring their children attend school regularly. The school’s commitment to personal development is exceptional, providing strong pastoral support and welfare services for pupils and their families. Initiatives such as English classes for parents help to build confidence and enhance the support they can provide for their children’s education.
The leadership team is ambitious for the school community, prioritizing staff well-being and professional development. Collaborative working within the trust enhances teaching practices and supports staff in their roles. The governing body effectively fulfills its responsibilities, ensuring a strong partnership across the trust.
Overall, St Christopher’s Church of England School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and high standards in education. The school’s inclusive ethos, strong leadership, and focus on personal development contribute to a positive learning environment where pupils can thrive. However, there remains a need for ongoing attention to assessment practices in certain subjects to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
