St Saviour’s Junior Church School in Bath has been rated as ‘Good’ in its most recent Ofsted report, with the school described by the inspector as, ‘A welcoming and caring school which embraces all pupils.’
The school, based in Larkhall, Bath, with 207 children aged 7-11, continues to be a ‘Good’ school since the previous inspection in April 2016. The inspection team told Executive Head, Joe Beament, and Head of School, Jenni Simmons, ‘Pupils live up to the high expectations set by adults. Pupils behave well and listen attentively in lessons. Pupils are polite and courteous to each other. This allows for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well. Pupils feel safe in school.’
The school’s ‘well thought-out’ curriculum was celebrated: ‘Leaders have designed a well-thought-out curriculum that matches the ambitions of the national curriculum. The school’s curriculum supports pupils to use the knowledge and vocabulary they learn to deepen their understanding of key ideas. Teachers carefully introduce and revisit knowledge to check that pupils can remember what has been taught. This helps pupils build their knowledge well over time.’
The report also noted that:
- There are many opportunities for pupils to develop both socially and academically. Visits, trips and after school clubs mean that all pupils can develop talents and pursue their interests.
- Leaders work with the wider school community to ensure that pupils have a broad range of experiences beyond the curriculum taught in school.
- Pupils know how to keep themselves safe, especially when playing outside.
“We are very happy that the inspector saw what the Junior School is like every day and are proud of the report which captures many of the wonderful things about our school,” said Mrs Simmons. “We are pleased the inspector emphasised the good behaviour in school and acknowledged we are a caring and welcoming school.
“We are particularly pleased the inspector heard from the E-Team that everyone is different and everyone is welcome, and could see this reflected around school. Everyone feeling included and is really important to our school, reflecting our school values of empathy and respect.”
Mr Beament added, “All staff have worked hard to produce a first-class curriculum as well as exciting extra-curricular activities which makes being a pupil at St Saviour’s such a rich and rewarding experience. The outcome is a reflection of a real team effort between children, families, staff, governors and the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust.
“Our Infant School and Nursery were also inspected recently and we are still waiting for that report to be formally published; we look forward to sharing this outcome with our community as well. Of course we will not sit back but instead continue to strive for even greater excellence to give our children the best education and preparation for secondary school and beyond.”
In 2019, a formal partnership was created between the Infant and Junior schools, led by the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust and governors. Both schools are separate with their own set of values, budget and identity but governance and senior leadership is shared, giving families and children ‘The Best of Both Worlds’.
Visit www.stsavioursbath.co.uk to see pictures of everyday life at the schools.