Rushall Church of England Primary School, located in Pewsey, Wiltshire, was inspected on July 11 and 12, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school became an academy in April 2019.
Pupils at Rushall are proud to attend this inclusive and welcoming school. They exhibit politeness and courtesy, understanding the importance of the school’s values in promoting kindness, respect, and hard work. Parents and carers appreciate the family atmosphere, the care provided by staff, and the support extended to military families. High expectations for pupil behavior are evident, with students responding positively to established routines both in and out of the classroom. This positive behavior is fostered from the early years, where children listen attentively, play cooperatively, and respect one another, contributing to a calm and purposeful environment.
Safety is a priority at Rushall, with pupils feeling secure and valuing the positive relationships they have with staff. They trust that their concerns will be listened to and addressed. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, which pupils enjoy. Opportunities to participate in leadership roles, such as the worship council and eco committee, empower students and enhance their sense of importance within the school community.
The new headteacher and her team have set high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Senior leaders are aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, having developed a curriculum that clearly outlines what pupils need to learn at each stage. Reading is prioritized, with pupils engaging with a diverse range of texts, enhancing their comprehension and fluency. Phonics instruction begins early, with tailored support for those who may struggle.
In mathematics, teachers provide clear explanations and effectively model vocabulary, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding of concepts. However, in some wider curriculum subjects, pupils’ knowledge is less secure due to insufficient use of assessment information to track progress and inform future learning. Some subject leaders have had limited opportunities to evaluate their subjects, hindering their understanding of pupil learning outcomes.
Leaders are committed to the success of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate support and access to the same curriculum as their peers. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning, with younger children encouraging one another and taking on responsibilities within the classroom.
The school promotes pupils’ wider development through various opportunities that align with its values. Pupils understand the significance of trust and loyalty in relationships and can articulate fundamental British values such as democracy and tolerance. Governors are ambitious for the school, holding leaders accountable and supporting staff in their roles.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Staff receive up-to-date training to identify and respond to potential risks, and pupils are educated on staying safe both in real life and online.
To improve further, the school needs to enhance the use of assessment across all subjects to ensure that pupils retain knowledge over time. Additionally, developing subject leadership will provide leaders with a clearer understanding of curriculum impact and pupil learning. Overall, Rushall Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a supportive and effective educational environment for its pupils.
