St Peter’s Church of England Middle School in Old Windsor has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 13 and 14, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming and nurturing environment where pupils are treated as individuals. The strong sense of community is evident, with pupils actively participating in school life. The school’s core values of Wisdom, Integrity, Trust, Compassion, and Fellowship are integral to both learning and daily interactions. Leaders maintain high expectations for pupil conduct, and the majority of students meet these standards, exhibiting calm and polite behavior.
Pupils appreciate the diverse range of extracurricular activities available, including Spanish, rowing, and DJ clubs, which contribute to their personal interests and development. They particularly enjoy residential trips and excursions, such as visits to Parliament, which enhance their confidence, resilience, and understanding of the world. Teachers encourage hard work and focus on learning, and pupils benefit from subject-specialist instruction. In subjects like design technology, students enjoy developing practical skills in food and textiles, with teachers ensuring that projects are engaging and relevant.
The curriculum is designed to be broad and ambitious, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have structured the curriculum to build logically on prior knowledge, ensuring a coherent transition from key stage two to key stage three. Teachers clearly communicate learning objectives during lessons, and in subjects like mathematics, they emphasize essential vocabulary, which aids comprehension, particularly for pupils with additional needs. However, this approach is not yet uniformly applied across all subjects.
Reading is prioritized, with leaders recognizing that some pupils require additional support to become confident readers. Extra phonics, comprehension, and spelling practice are provided, helping to improve reading fluency. In English, pupils demonstrate confidence in speaking and utilize a wide range of vocabulary, especially in key stage three.
While most teachers exhibit strong subject knowledge and effectively check for understanding, a small number do not meet the same standards. This inconsistency can hinder some pupils' learning, particularly those with special educational needs. Additionally, while the majority of pupils are polite and engaged, a small minority occasionally display disrespectful behavior, which staff address promptly. Nonetheless, this behavior can disrupt the otherwise positive atmosphere of the school.
Leaders promote pupils' broader development through strong pastoral support and community service initiatives. Pupils engage in fundraising efforts and learn about well-being, risk management, and healthy relationships. Leadership roles are available, but pupils express a desire for clearer communication regarding these opportunities. Although the school has resumed its enrichment activities post-pandemic, older pupils have experienced fewer trips compared to younger students.
The governing body has a realistic understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Staff describe the school as supportive and caring, fostering pride in their work. While most parents support the school, some suggest that further enhancements could be made.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a culture of vigilance present throughout the school. The safeguarding team is experienced and well-informed about pupils' needs, ensuring that staff receive regular training. Staff feel empowered to report concerns, and appropriate actions are taken when necessary. Overall, St Peter’s Church of England Middle School continues to provide a good educational experience, with clear areas identified for further improvement, particularly in behavior management and teaching consistency across subjects.
