Sonning Church of England Primary School, located in Reading, Berkshire, has been inspected and continues to be rated as a good school. The recent ungraded inspection conducted in January 2024 suggests that the school may achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were to take place. The headteacher, Philip Sherwood, leads the school, which is part of The Keys Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Hester Wooller and a board of trustees chaired by David Horrocks.
The school is characterized by its strong values of love, courage, respect, aspiration, and curiosity, which are evident in the behavior and attitudes of the pupils. Students describe the school as a second home, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the staff. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the education their children receive, appreciating the school's ethos and its role within the village community.
Pupils demonstrate a positive approach to learning, feeling encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes. They engage in leadership opportunities and participate in community events, showcasing their willingness to contribute beyond the classroom. The behavior of students is commendable, with a strong sense of respect for one another and an understanding of the value of friendships. The school has established effective systems to maintain high expectations for behavior, which pupils consistently meet.
The curriculum at Sonning Church of England Primary School is well-structured, with clear identification of the knowledge pupils need to acquire. The school employs effective methods to assess student understanding and has a range of strategies to support those who may fall behind, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, make rapid progress. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which enhances the quality of instruction and allows for detailed teaching of new concepts. Staff are committed to professional development, which contributes to the effectiveness of lessons.
Pupils take pride in their achievements and engage in discussions about their learning, demonstrating a strong command of subject-specific vocabulary. Collaborative work among students further deepens their understanding of the curriculum, and they are encouraged to reflect on their previous learning. Reading is prioritized across all age groups, with effective phonics instruction and daily reading activities. The school’s library is well-regarded, and early years education emphasizes language and communication, fostering a love for learning through engaging topics and resources.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which is consistently met. Students of all ages demonstrate effective communication and turn-taking skills, contributing to a respectful and articulate school culture. The personal development curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for life beyond formal education, with activities that connect them to their local community and encourage them to see themselves as future leaders.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school has not been previously inspected since joining The Keys Academy Trust in September 2019, and this inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector engaged with various stakeholders, including staff, governors, and pupils, to assess the quality of education and the impact of the pandemic on learning. Overall, Sonning Church of England Primary School exemplifies a strong educational institution committed to the holistic development of its pupils.
