Winchcombe Abbey Church of England Primary School, located in Gloucestershire, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school is led by headteacher Sally Johnson and is part of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Rachel Howie and a board of trustees chaired by Tim Brock. The school has maintained a good standard of education, with particular strengths noted in early years provision, which was rated as outstanding.
The inspection, conducted on June 5 and 6, 2024, evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which received a good rating. The previous inspection, which took place seven years ago, rated the school as outstanding, reflecting a consistent commitment to high educational standards.
The school environment is described as welcoming and inclusive, where committed staff create purposeful and engaging learning experiences that enable pupils to thrive. The early years curriculum is particularly effective, fostering a love for learning and curiosity among children. Pupils exhibit positive behavior, requiring minimal reminders about conduct, and they engage actively in lessons, demonstrating attentiveness and cooperation. The supportive nature of the staff encourages pupils to express any concerns they may have, contributing to a safe and harmonious learning atmosphere.
The curriculum is designed to broaden pupils' understanding of the world, incorporating diverse experiences such as residential trips, charity work, and visits to places of worship. This approach helps pupils develop a sense of responsibility and maturity, as they learn the importance of making a difference in their community. Reading is emphasized throughout the curriculum, with staff selecting books that enhance vocabulary and support learning across subjects. The phonics program is effectively taught, ensuring that children quickly develop reading skills and confidence.
While the school has made significant improvements to its curriculum since the last inspection, some subjects, such as music and Spanish, are newer and require time to fully embed. Consequently, certain groups of pupils may not yet have the same depth of knowledge in these areas as others. The school is actively working to refine its assessment systems to better identify and address misconceptions in pupils' understanding.
Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, using various resources to engage pupils in deep thinking. The school provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can learn alongside their peers. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, with staff expertly guiding children to deepen their understanding through engaging activities.
Pupils' personal development is well-supported, as they learn to embrace diversity and engage in discussions about important social issues. The school promotes values that encourage respect and compassion, helping pupils grow into well-rounded individuals. Governors and trust leaders provide effective oversight, balancing challenge and support to drive improvement. While most parents have a favorable view of the school, a minority have expressed a desire for better communication.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on embedding recent curriculum changes to secure essential knowledge across all subjects. Overall, Winchcombe Abbey Church of England Primary School is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils while maintaining high academic standards.
