Dr Radcliffe’s Church of England Primary School, located in Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire, was inspected on 22 and 23 March 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as behaviour and attitudes, and personal development receiving outstanding ratings. The quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy in June 2017, following a long gap due to previous exemptions from routine inspections.
Pupils at Dr Radcliffe’s value the inclusive nature of their school community, where they learn about equality and diversity. They demonstrate high levels of respect for one another and for adults, contributing to a positive and supportive environment. The school has a strong focus on personal development, with pupils engaging in various activities that promote moral, spiritual, and cultural understanding. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad range of subjects, and pupils are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities, including sports and the arts. The school’s commitment to fostering leadership skills among pupils is evident, with initiatives such as eco-leaders and a school council working on projects to enhance well-being and environmental sustainability.
The quality of education is characterized by effective teaching practices, particularly in early reading, which sets a strong foundation for pupils. The school emphasizes reading throughout the curriculum, resulting in pupils becoming enthusiastic readers who enjoy discussing diverse texts. Teachers employ various methods to assess pupils’ learning, ensuring that lessons are relevant and engaging. This approach helps pupils build on their existing knowledge, leading to overall good achievement, including for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
However, the inspection identified areas for improvement. While some pupils achieve exceptionally well, this is not consistent across the board. The curriculum lacks depth and challenge in certain subjects, which could hinder the progress of some pupils. For instance, while pupils excel in practical skills in art and design, their understanding of art history and critical analysis is not as strong. Additionally, the early years curriculum needs further development to ensure that children achieve ambitious learning goals. Support for weaker readers in key stage two is in place, but it could be more effective with more precise interventions.
Leadership at the school is strong, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. They have navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic effectively and maintain high ambitions for all pupils. However, there is an opportunity to enhance the impact of their ambitions by focusing more on improving the achievement of pupils with special educational needs. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
In summary, Dr Radcliffe’s Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and inclusive environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school has established a strong foundation in many areas, but there is a need for ongoing development in the curriculum to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. The leadership team is well-positioned to drive these improvements, ensuring that the school continues to meet the needs of its pupils and the wider community.
