St John's C of E Primary School in Bradford has recently undergone an inspection from Ofsted, which took place on November 21 and 22, 2023. The school has been rated as outstanding in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is significant as it marks the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school converted to academy status. The headteacher, Andrew Knight, leads the school, which is part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Carol Dewhurst OBE and a board of trustees chaired by Theresa Mason.
The inspection highlighted that attending St John's C of E Primary School provides pupils with an exceptional education and remarkable pastoral care. The staff share a strong sense of moral purpose, striving for all pupils to believe in themselves and succeed. The school maintains extraordinarily high expectations for its pupils, with teachers serving as exceptional role models. As a result, pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour, and instances of bullying are rare. The school has low pupil absence rates, with vulnerable pupils rarely missing school. Staff take thoughtful actions to ensure that all pupils feel safe and supported, contributing to a positive school environment.
The curriculum at St John's is ambitious and expertly designed, ensuring that learning is systematically sequenced so that pupils retain knowledge effectively. Teachers are clear about the knowledge they want pupils to acquire, and they implement the curriculum consistently. The school provides an exceptional learning environment, with high-quality resources that pupils treat with care. Staff are highly skilled and engage in continuous professional development, reflecting on their practice and sharing expertise with other schools within the trust.
The needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are quickly identified, and urgent actions are taken to support them. Creative solutions are implemented to promote their independence and learning. The teaching of reading is prioritized, with pupils learning to read accurately and fluently from the moment they enter the school. The reading curriculum is well-structured, and pupils have numerous opportunities to develop a love for reading through access to a wide range of high-quality texts.
In the early years, children receive an outstanding start to their education, with adults providing extraordinary support. Children understand routines and are well-prepared for Year 1. The school teaches pupils how to keep healthy and safe, with a safeguarding policy that is well understood and implemented. Pupils demonstrate a deep understanding of fairness and take responsibility for one another, contributing positively to the school community.
The trust provides effective governance and support, and the school has a clear vision based on Christian values that shape its actions. Staff morale is high, and they feel valued, describing the school as a place of ambition, nourishment, and love. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring that pupils' interests are prioritized. Overall, St John's C of E Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and enriching environment for all its pupils.
