St John’s Church of England Primary School in Keynsham, Bristol, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on July 2 and 3, 2024, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, while personal development was rated as outstanding. The headteacher, Julia Bamfield, has been in post since September 2023, following a period of leadership changes that some parents found unsettling. The school is part of the Futura Learning Partnership, overseen by CEO Andrea Aldridge and a board of trustees chaired by Malcolm Broad.
Pupils at St John’s enjoy their time at school and take pride in their roles as responsible citizens. They engage in community activities, such as singing and playing games with elderly residents, which fosters strong community ties. The school promotes high expectations, and most pupils respond positively to these. Early years children quickly adapt to school routines, and during lessons, pupils are focused and eager to share their ideas. The use of silent instructions by adults creates a purposeful learning environment. Staff are well-acquainted with pupils and their families, ensuring that pupils feel supported in addressing any concerns.
The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to develop a sense of responsibility, including participation in assemblies and the eco-council, which helps maintain the school environment. Despite the leadership changes, the school maintains a clear vision for pupil learning, with a broad and ambitious curriculum that is well sequenced. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment of some wider curriculum subjects, where gaps in knowledge have been identified.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with older pupils expressing enthusiasm for a variety of texts and authors. The school encourages a love of reading through rewards and events like the reading café, where pupils share books with parents. The commitment to reading begins in the early years, where children are introduced to phonics and vocabulary from day one. Staff receive ongoing training to effectively deliver the phonics programme, and assessment is used to support pupils at risk of falling behind.
The school is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can participate fully in school life. However, there are challenges in some wider curriculum subjects, where some pupils struggle to retain knowledge. The school’s character development initiatives are integrated throughout the curriculum, with visitors and educational trips enhancing pupils’ experiences and understanding of various careers.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of British values, emphasizing respect and integrity. They learn about different cultures and religions, and the importance of consent and online safety is addressed through the personal, social, and health education curriculum. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to enhance the learning provided for pupils with special educational needs in the wider curriculum to ensure they retain essential knowledge. Additionally, the trust should ensure that assessment is effectively utilized across all subjects to identify gaps in learning and inform curriculum design. Overall, St John’s Church of England Primary School is committed to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
