Winsley Church of England VC Primary School, located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, underwent its first inspection under the new academy framework in June 2024. The school, which is part of the Palladian Academy Trust, received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas such as personal development rated as outstanding. The head of school is Ross Wolverson, supported by executive headteacher Becky Wilson and overseen by CEO Donna Tandy and chair of trustees Ruth Balch.
The inspection highlighted that pupils at Winsley Primary School embody the school’s values of kindness, wisdom, and courage. They take pride in their school and actively engage in both school and community activities. The pupils demonstrate respect for one another and are encouraged to resolve conflicts with the help of staff. The school promotes mental and physical well-being through various initiatives, including a walking program that fosters a sense of care among students.
The curriculum at Winsley is broad and ambitious, with a focus on ensuring that learning is sequenced and coherent. However, some pupils struggle to retain knowledge in certain areas of the wider curriculum. The early years program is well-structured, preparing children for key stage one by explicitly teaching necessary vocabulary. The school has implemented a writing framework to enhance writing skills across the curriculum, although there are still areas where expectations for writing are not consistently applied.
Mathematics instruction has been revised to support better pupil progression, and students enjoy engaging in active learning methods that help them remember and apply their knowledge. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with staff trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Pupils read books that match their phonetic knowledge and receive additional support as needed to ensure they keep pace with their peers.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is a priority, with teachers receiving training to enhance their ability to meet diverse needs. The school has a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum that addresses important topics such as relationships and online safety. Extracurricular activities are abundant, with high participation rates in clubs and community engagement initiatives.
In lessons, pupils are generally focused and understand the learning expectations, although a minority may struggle with attention during instruction. The local governing body collaborates closely with the trust, providing effective support and challenge to the school. Staff report feeling well-supported, benefiting from a broad range of training opportunities.
The safeguarding arrangements at Winsley Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection report indicates that while the school has made significant strides in various areas, there are still opportunities for improvement. Specifically, the school needs to ensure that writing skills are developed consistently across all subjects and that pupils retain knowledge in foundation subjects. The school is encouraged to revisit learning in ways that enhance recall and understanding.
Overall, Winsley Church of England VC Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils. The school’s leadership is focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
