Following an inspection in November 2022, St George’s CE Primary School in Semington has received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
Previously rated as Inadequate, the school has made a remarkable effort to change the reputation, according to the report published over the Christmas break.
This report reflects a transformation in the school under the leadership of Principal Candida Hutchinson. Pupils and staff impressed inspectors enough for the school to be rated Good in all areas.
Inspectors described pupils as ‘happy and confident. Relationships with adults are positive. Pupils know that adults are there to support them. Pupils are adamant that bullying does not happen. They say that there is always an adult to talk to if they have a worry or concern. Pupils feel safe in school.’
They went on further to compliment staff on their well-planned curriculum and high expectations of pupils’ behaviour:
‘Leaders have designed a curriculum that is well sequenced and ambitious. In Reception Year, the classroom environment supports pupils to count and recognise numbers well. Older pupils have opportunities to revisit and practice number facts, place value and timetables. This means that they can rapidly recall and use this knowledge in more challenging work. For example, pupils use their understanding of place value to multiply by powers of 10 successfully. Staff use assessment well to identify what pupils need to learn next or what they need to revisit.’
‘Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. There is a calm, orderly atmosphere in lessons and around the school. Pupils play well together and the play ambassadors ensure that there are games set up on the playground each week.’
Candida Hutchinson, School Principal, said, “We are so proud that such dramatic improvement has been recognised by Ofsted. Students and staff alike should be immensely proud of their achievements for further bettering our community.
“I’d also like to thank our parents and carers for continuing to provide amazing support.”
The White Horse Federation is a multi-academy trust of primary schools, secondary schools, and special schools. Founded in 2012, our federation is now among the largest multi-academy trusts in South West England.