St John’s Church of England Primary School in Weymouth, Dorset, has been inspected and rated as good overall, with outstanding early years provision. The inspection took place on 19 and 20 March 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in January 2020. The headteacher, Amanda Aze, leads the school, which is part of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Mark Lacey and chair of trustees Rosemary Tong.
Pupils at St John’s describe their school as welcoming and friendly, highlighting a nurturing and inclusive environment where strong relationships exist between adults and students. Children in the early years receive an exceptional start to their education, settling well and becoming independent learners. The curriculum is designed to match the abilities and interests of the children, fostering focus and resilience. High expectations for behavior are met by pupils, who demonstrate politeness and respect, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere throughout the school.
The school has implemented a broad and ambitious curriculum from Nursery to Year 6, focusing on essential knowledge that pupils need to learn over time. The curriculum is sequenced effectively, allowing pupils to build on prior learning and develop a deeper understanding of subjects. However, some pupils struggle to make connections between current and previous learning, indicating a need for further embedding of the curriculum. The school recognizes this and is working to improve the implementation across all classes and subjects.
A strong emphasis on reading is evident throughout the school. In the early years, children develop good listening skills and begin learning phonics immediately. Staff are well-equipped to deliver phonics instruction effectively, ensuring that reading materials align with the sounds pupils are learning. As pupils progress, their enthusiasm for reading continues, with teachers engaging them in high-quality texts that enhance their understanding of diversity and foster a passion for literature.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, with learning adapted to meet their needs, allowing them to progress alongside their peers. The school’s vision and values promote personal development, teaching pupils about respect, healthy relationships, and British values. Pupils demonstrate compassion and understanding of protected characteristics, contributing to a positive school culture.
Trustees and local governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, managing resources effectively and holding the school accountable for improvements. The trust prioritizes staff development, which is appreciated by the staff, who take pride in their work at the school.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school has designed a curriculum that teaches pupils how to stay safe in various contexts, including online safety. Pupils feel confident sharing any concerns with trusted adults.
To improve further, the school must ensure that the intended curriculum is fully implemented across all subjects and classes. This will help pupils build their knowledge more effectively and connect their learning experiences. The trust is encouraged to focus on embedding the curriculum to enhance pupils' learning outcomes over time. Overall, St John’s Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, fostering a love of learning and personal growth.