St Stephens Church School located in Bath, Somerset, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils take pride in their attendance. The school’s values of joy, love, courage, and creativity are well understood by the students, who feel encouraged to be kind, respectful, and to strive for their best. High expectations set by adults contribute to the positive behavior observed among pupils, who are polite and courteous both in lessons and throughout the school.
The relationships between pupils and staff are characterized by positivity, with pupils expressing that adults believe in them and support them in taking risks. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, including sports, arts, music, and trips, which help pupils develop confidence and resilience. Discussions among pupils about friendship, segregation, and prejudice indicate a mature understanding of social issues, and they appreciate having a voice in their school community.
While many parents commend the school’s ethos, a few have raised concerns regarding bullying. However, pupils report that bullying is infrequent and that any incidents are handled sensitively by staff. Overall, pupils feel safe, happy, and cared for within the school environment.
Leadership at St Stephens Church School is ambitious, with staff expressing pride in their work and a positive view of the new headteacher. The school has a clear focus on fostering a love of reading, starting from early years, where children enjoy stories and songs that enhance their communication and language skills. Staff training in reading has been beneficial, and effective assessment practices allow for timely support for pupils who may struggle. However, some reading materials do not align well with the phonics being taught, making them challenging for some pupils.
The mathematics curriculum is well-structured, and pupils generally enjoy the subject. Nonetheless, some students feel that their work could be more challenging at times. Staff effectively support early years pupils in developing their mathematical understanding, ensuring that all children have opportunities to succeed. Leaders are systematically working to identify key knowledge across the wider curriculum, although some subjects lack clarity in the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire, which can hinder their ability to build on prior learning.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive tailored support, allowing them to learn confidently across the curriculum. The school’s behavior expectations, known as the golden three, promote positive attitudes towards learning, contributing to a calm and purposeful atmosphere.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture of vigilance established among staff. Leaders ensure that all necessary checks are completed for staff working with pupils, and students understand the importance of safety, including online safety.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that reading materials are better matched to the phonics knowledge of younger pupils to enhance their fluency and confidence. Additionally, leaders must clearly identify the essential knowledge pupils need to learn in various subjects to facilitate better retention and understanding over time.
St Stephens Church School continues to demonstrate a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with ongoing efforts to enhance its curriculum and support systems.
