Wembdon St George’s Church School, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, has been rated as a good school following its inspection in January 2022. The school has established a positive environment where pupils feel safe and enjoy attending. They connect strongly with the school’s vision and values, which emphasize kindness and service. The atmosphere is calm and purposeful, contributing to effective learning. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, benefit from a well-planned curriculum, although there are some inconsistencies in assessment practices across subjects.
The leadership team has made significant strides since the school joined the Bath and Wells Academies Trust in 2017, particularly after the appointment of the current headteacher in early 2020. The school has developed a strong culture of learning, with leaders, governors, and trustees working collaboratively to identify strengths and areas for improvement. They have implemented a successful professional development program for subject leaders, enhancing the school’s leadership capacity.
The curriculum has been overhauled to ensure coherence and effectiveness, with logical pathways for learning that help pupils retain knowledge. However, inconsistencies in assessment practices in some foundation subjects hinder the ability to quickly address gaps in pupils’ knowledge. Leaders have prioritized reading, making it central to the curriculum. Pupils enjoy reading and understand its importance, supported by an effective phonics program. Nonetheless, some pupils, particularly those who struggle with reading, do not always have access to books that match their phonics knowledge, which can impede their progress.
The school promotes personal, social, health, and economic education effectively, fostering respect and kindness among pupils. The Christian values underpinning the school’s ethos contribute to a harmonious environment where diversity is respected. Staff actively work to eliminate antisocial behavior, raising awareness among pupils about the importance of respectful language.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders prioritizing the safety and well-being of pupils. The school has established strong systems for recruiting and training staff, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly. Leaders have also focused on supporting pupils’ mental health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders must ensure that assessment practices are consistent across all subjects to address knowledge gaps more effectively. Additionally, the phonics program needs refinement to ensure that all pupils, especially those with reading difficulties, have access to appropriately matched reading materials.
Overall, Wembdon St George’s Church School is a good school that provides a supportive and effective learning environment. The leadership team is committed to continuous improvement, and with targeted efforts in assessment and reading support, the school can further enhance its educational offerings for all pupils.
