Leigh On Mendip School, located in Somerset, has recently undergone its first inspection by Ofsted since its conversion to academy status. The inspection took place on November 21 and 22, 2023, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good across all evaluated areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The head of school is Louisa Phillips, with Dan Turull serving as the executive headteacher overseeing this school and two others within The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.
The school fosters a strong sense of community among pupils, staff, and parents, with a focus on mutual respect and support. Pupils express confidence in the school's values, which encourage them to strive for their best and enjoy their learning experiences. The behaviour of pupils is commendable, with minimal disruption to learning and a clear understanding of school rules. This positive behaviour is evident from the early years, where children engage well with instructions and play cooperatively.
Pupils feel safe and valued, building positive relationships with staff who treat them as individuals. They appreciate the support they receive in resolving any issues in a caring manner. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs for football, crafts, and sign language, which pupils enjoy and take pride in. They also participate in community events, such as food donations to local food banks, which help them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy.
The school has a clear vision for pupil achievement, supported by an ambitious curriculum that outlines essential knowledge and skills. Reading is prioritized, with staff receiving training to effectively teach phonics and reading from the start of a child's education. Pupils are provided with reading materials that align with their learning progress, and those who struggle receive additional support to catch up. As pupils advance, they demonstrate increasing accuracy and fluency in their reading.
Teachers effectively utilize their subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics, where they clearly communicate important concepts and vocabulary. This approach benefits pupils across all age groups, enabling them to tackle complex problems confidently. In subjects like religious education, teachers assess pupils' prior knowledge before introducing new content, ensuring that learning builds on what has been previously taught.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in the use of assessment information to inform future learning. Some subjects require further development in assessment practices to ensure that pupils retain knowledge over time. Additionally, a minority of parents have expressed concerns regarding communication with the school, indicating a need for the trust to enhance engagement with families to build confidence in the school's operations.
The safeguarding arrangements at Leigh On Mendip School are effective, ensuring that pupils' welfare is prioritized. The school monitors attendance rigorously, intervening early to address any issues, which has resulted in high attendance rates. Overall, the school is committed to fostering a positive learning environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally, supported by dedicated staff and a strong community ethos.
