The Coombes Church of England Primary School, located in Arborfield, Reading, Berkshire, underwent an inspection on July 2 and 3, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also marked as requiring improvement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Luke Henderson, leads the school, which is part of The Keys Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Hester Wooller and a board of trustees chaired by David Horrocks.
Pupils at The Coombes are increasingly inspired to develop their character and confidence, with a balanced focus on academic, personal, and social development. Students express enjoyment in attending school and feel safe, with trusted adults available for support. The school has established a ‘Coombes code’ that pupils understand and follow, contributing to a positive school environment. Parents recognize the strengths of the school and appreciate the improvements made since the last inspection.
Despite the school’s ambition for all pupils to achieve well, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, the desired outcomes are not yet fully realized. The curriculum is not consistently delivered across all subjects, leading to some pupils not achieving their potential. While the curriculum has been redesigned to be ambitious, the implementation remains a challenge, with some staff lacking the necessary expertise to deliver it effectively. Consequently, some pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, are not adequately prepared for the next stage of their education.
The phonics program is well-structured, but its delivery has not been consistent, affecting pupils' reading fluency. Although there have been improvements, not all staff possess the subject knowledge required for rigorous teaching of phonics, resulting in some pupils not becoming fluent readers quickly. Assessment practices vary in effectiveness, with some subjects lacking precise checks on pupils' understanding, which can hinder their learning progress.
In the early years, children engage in practical activities and develop strong relationships with staff, who help them settle into routines. The early years curriculum is well-designed and prepares children for their future learning. The school also emphasizes personal development, teaching pupils about different cultures and the importance of respect. Pupils learn strategies for maintaining physical and mental health and benefit from local partnerships that enhance their understanding of finance and other life skills.
The school is actively addressing previous underachievement, with a focus on improving education for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged. Attendance rates are improving due to the school’s efforts to identify barriers to regular attendance and implement effective solutions. Staff express positivity about recent changes and feel their workload is manageable. The board of trustees and governors are well-informed and provide both challenge and support to the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at The Coombes are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school must ensure consistent teaching of reading, enhance task design to align with the curriculum, and improve teachers' subject knowledge. Addressing these areas will help all pupils achieve their potential and ensure a more effective learning environment. The school is committed to ongoing improvement and is focused on providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
