Rougham Church of England Primary School, located in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, has undergone a recent inspection on May 14 and 15, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, where it was graded as requiring improvement. The headteacher, Clare Clark, leads the school, which is part of The Tilian Partnership, a multi-academy trust overseen by CEO Andrew Berry and a board of trustees chaired by Stephen Yapp.
The school environment is described as happy and welcoming, fostering a culture where pupils thrive under the high expectations set by their teachers. Positive relationships between staff and pupils are nurtured, encouraging students to express themselves and feel safe. From the early years, pupils are encouraged to be curious, confident, and independent learners, demonstrating kindness and respect. The emphasis on reading is central to the curriculum, instilling a love for literature from the start of Reception. While pupils generally achieve well and are enthusiastic about their learning, some struggle to retain key information in certain subjects.
Pupil voice is actively celebrated within the school, with school councillors and leaders in various roles contributing to improvements. This involvement allows pupils to gain leadership experience and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, coding, and choir, which help them develop new skills and confidence.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to build on prior knowledge and support pupils in learning more effectively. Staff are well-trained and adept at checking and deepening pupils' understanding, quickly addressing any misconceptions. However, in some subjects, recent changes have led to difficulties in recalling earlier learning, indicating a need for clearer connections between past and new concepts.
The school prioritizes reading, with pupils actively engaging in recommending texts for the entire school community. Reception children learn phonics effectively, applying their knowledge across subjects, particularly in writing. Support is provided for those who find reading challenging, ensuring they build confidence and fluency.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing timely support and training for staff to meet diverse needs. High attendance rates reflect pupils' eagerness to engage in learning, and staff implement strategies to promote good attendance. Pupils demonstrate resilience and maturity, articulating their emotions and supporting one another.
The personal development curriculum is exceptional, rooted in the school's core values, promoting respect and tolerance while celebrating diverse cultures and faiths. The range of clubs and activities available enriches the school experience, allowing pupils to perform and represent their school in various events.
Governance is strong, with knowledgeable governors providing effective challenge and support to school leaders. The school has made commendable progress in addressing previous weaknesses, and staff express pride in their work environment, feeling well-supported by leadership.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further improve, the school should focus on ensuring that all subjects include regular opportunities for pupils to revisit key information, addressing gaps in knowledge and understanding. This will help pupils build on their existing knowledge and grasp more complex concepts in the future. Overall, Rougham Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for all its pupils.
