Waverley Abbey CofE Junior School, located in Tilford, Farnham, Surrey, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, which suggests significant improvements across all areas since its last evaluation. The headteacher, Rebecca Marshall, leads the school, which is part of The Good Shepherd Trust, overseen by CEO Paul Kennedy and a board of trustees chaired by James Friend. The inspection took place on October 8 and 9, 2024, and while the school was previously judged to be good for overall effectiveness before September 2024, the current evidence indicates that the school may be on a path to even greater success.
Pupils at Waverley Abbey demonstrate a strong understanding of the school's values, which include courage, honesty, love, compassion, and hope. They exhibit exemplary behavior, characterized by politeness and thoughtfulness, often helping one another and taking on leadership roles such as house captains and school librarians. The school fosters a supportive environment where older pupils mentor younger ones, contributing positively to the school community. The relationships between staff and pupils are strong, creating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages pupils to thrive. Staff maintain high expectations for behavior and apply policies consistently, ensuring that any challenges are met with timely and effective support.
Attendance at the school is commendable, with pupils regularly attending and achieving high standards. The dedication of the staff to the well-being and success of all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, is evident. The school is committed to making every day count, preparing pupils well for their future educational journeys.
Waverley Abbey excels in providing a safe and happy environment for its pupils. They possess a mature understanding of safety, including online safety, and are well-informed about the complexities of digital identities and social media risks. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is robust, and initiatives like the Waverley Abbey Challenge award scheme significantly enhance pupils' character and resilience. The school offers a wide range of opportunities for pupils to explore their talents, including music and drama, which helps build confidence and celebrate achievements.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge effectively across subjects. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize effective questioning techniques to address misconceptions. Pupils show a solid understanding of various concepts, particularly in English and science, and the school has taken proactive steps to improve writing skills among pupils who previously struggled. Reading is a strong focus, with pupils displaying a love for literature and receiving timely support to ensure they keep pace with their peers.
Collaboration among staff and trustees is evident, with a shared commitment to the school's success. The school engages effectively with staff to manage workloads and enhance professional development, often leading best practices within the trust. Parents and carers express strong support for the school, recognizing the hard work of the staff in fostering well-rounded, disciplined children ready for secondary education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Waverley Abbey are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school has a religious character as a Church of England institution and is part of the Diocese of Guildford. Overall, the inspection indicates that Waverley Abbey CofE Junior School is making significant strides in its educational provision, with a focus on personal development, academic achievement, and community engagement.
