Weston All Saints Church of England Primary School, located in Bath, Somerset, has recently undergone an inspection by Ofsted, which took place from September 26 to 27, 2023. The school has been rated as good across all key areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Matthew Norcott, has been instrumental in bringing stability to the school following a period of leadership changes. The school is part of The Partnership Trust, overseen by CEO Emily Massey and a board of trustees chaired by Belinda Deery.
Pupils at Weston All Saints are proud to attend the school, describing it as an inclusive and welcoming environment that feels like one big family. They understand the school's values, which promote kindness, readiness to learn, and acceptance of others. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, and pupils are generally polite and courteous. While some parents have expressed concerns about behaviour, inspectors observed positive conduct during their visit, and the school's records indicate improvements in behaviour over time.
The school prioritizes pupil safety and fosters positive relationships between staff and students. Adults support pupils in managing their emotions, and pupils feel comfortable sharing any worries with staff. The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including football, cross-country, and art, which pupils enjoy. Opportunities for leadership, such as being part of the school council or equalities team, contribute to pupils' sense of pride and involvement in improving the school.
Weston All Saints has high expectations for all pupils, and the curriculum is designed to meet their needs effectively. The school has taken steps to strengthen areas where published outcomes fall below national expectations, particularly in reading and mathematics. Reading is emphasized, with pupils learning phonics from the start and receiving support if they fall behind. The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, helping pupils develop a strong understanding of concepts.
While pupils generally learn well in most subjects, there are areas where the implementation of the curriculum is still developing. Some pupils struggle to articulate their prior learning, and teachers do not consistently check pupils' understanding before introducing new material. This can hinder progress for some students. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers.
Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and engage well during social times. The school's values underpin its approach to personal development, with pupils showing a good understanding of equality and fundamental British values. They participate in community activities, such as supporting a local retirement home, which helps them build resilience and contribute positively to society.
Trustees and local governors have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They provide appropriate support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring a focus on the quality of education. Staff express pride in working at the school and appreciate the support they receive regarding their well-being and workload.
The safeguarding arrangements at Weston All Saints are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in developing the curriculum across all subjects to ensure that pupils build on their prior knowledge effectively. Overall, Weston All Saints Church of England Primary School is a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes high standards of education and personal development for its pupils.
