Located in the heart of Soham, Ely, St Andrew’s CofE Primary School has recently reaffirmed its status as a good school following an inspection on March 13 and 14, 2023. The school, which caters to children aged 3 to 11, is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust and prides itself on fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils.
Pupils at St Andrew’s are described as enthusiastic, confident, and determined learners. The school’s atmosphere encourages happiness and a readiness to learn, with students taking pride in their achievements and their school community. The staff’s high expectations for behavior contribute to a respectful and kind environment, where most pupils respond positively and behave well during lessons.
The school has established a culture where bullying is recognized as rare, and pupils feel safe and supported. They trust the staff to resolve any issues that arise, fostering a sense of community and care among students.
St Andrew’s offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that enrich the learning experience. Older pupils take on leadership roles, such as escorting younger students to the local church and organizing lunchtime events through the ‘Active Crew’ initiative. These activities not only enhance the school community but also provide younger pupils with role models to look up to.
Reading is a top priority at St Andrew’s, with leaders ensuring that all teachers are well-trained in the adopted phonics program. From Nursery through to Key Stage 1, pupils are guided through a structured approach to phonics, enabling them to become confident and fluent readers. The school’s commitment to literacy is evident, as pupils express enjoyment in their class novels and can articulate their understanding of plots and characters in detail.
The school’s curriculum is designed to be cohesive from Nursery to Year 6, with staff effectively integrating knowledge and vocabulary with children’s interests. This thoughtful approach prepares children well for their future learning. However, the inspection highlighted that in some subjects, pupils struggle to articulate what they have learned, indicating a need for further embedding of curriculum aims.
St Andrew’s is also dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Leaders work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and specialists to ensure that adaptations are made to help these pupils progress alongside their peers. The inclusive environment allows all pupils to engage fully in school life, participating in extracurricular activities and lessons.
While the school has many strengths, the inspection identified areas for improvement. Some pupils miss too much school, leading to gaps in their knowledge. Leaders are encouraged to focus on improving attendance to ensure that all pupils have access to the full curriculum. Additionally, the intent and implementation of certain curriculum areas need to be more consistent across the school. Leaders are tasked with ensuring that all teachers understand the aims of the curriculum and deliver it effectively.
St Andrew’s CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, characterized by a supportive environment, a commitment to literacy, and a wide range of enriching experiences for its pupils. With a focus on improving attendance and curriculum delivery, the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and further enhance the educational experience for all its students. As the school community looks to the future, the dedication of its staff and the enthusiasm of its pupils will undoubtedly contribute to its ongoing success.
