Combe Down CofE Primary School is delighted to share its recent Ofsted inspection report, which highlights the exceptional learning environment, supportive community and strong culture of safety at the school.
The report, based on the inspection carried out on 19 and 20 November 2024, commends the school’s commitment to providing an inclusive and nurturing atmosphere for all pupils.
The report states that pupils at Combe Down Primary School demonstrate an eagerness to learn, with early years children displaying palpable engagement and enthusiasm for their education. The school’s high expectations are evident across all year groups, ensuring that every pupil is supported in reaching their full potential.
Pupils consistently demonstrate exemplary behaviour, kindness, and respect, which contribute to a positive and focused learning environment. Disruptions to learning are rare, and the school’s values of “be ready, be respectful, be safe” guide pupils in developing responsible behaviour.
One of the standout features of Combe Down Primary is its strong sense of community. Pupils are not only proud of their school but also actively contribute to its vibrant culture. Warm relationships between pupils and staff foster an atmosphere of trust, where children feel safe and supported. The school’s buddy system allows older pupils to support their younger peers, further developing leadership skills and promoting a sense of responsibility.
The inspection also highlights the school’s ambitious approach to academic excellence, particularly its focus on reading and oracy. From an early age, pupils are introduced to phonics, enabling them to read fluently and confidently.
The school’s strong emphasis on oracy ensures that children learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and engage respectfully with others’ ideas. This approach empowers pupils to develop communication skills that extend across all subjects.
The school’s curriculum has been meticulously developed to ensure a well-rounded education. Subjects like history and religious education are well-structured, allowing pupils to build a deep understanding of key topics. Pupils in Year 6, for example, are able to discuss the Vikings with confidence and connect their knowledge to broader historical concepts. However, the school is committed to further enhancing its curriculum by refining the sequence of learning in some areas, ensuring all subjects are delivered with equal clarity and purpose.
A major strength of Combe Down Primary is its inclusive culture. The school is quick to identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and provide tailored support. Additionally, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as wheelchair basketball, to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
The school’s partnership with the Palladian Trust ensures that pupils have access to a variety of enriching experiences that contribute to their broader development.
The school’s leadership, including governors and trustees, is deeply committed to continuous improvement. With a strong focus on attendance, the school has seen improvements in pupil attendance, further enhancing the overall learning experience. Staff at Combe Down Primary feel supported in their professional development, which enables them to consistently improve their teaching practices.
Finally, the school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust and effective, ensuring that all pupils are safe and well cared for throughout their time at Combe Down Primary.
In conclusion, the inspection report reinforces that Combe Down Primary is an excellent school that is making a lasting and positive impact on its pupils. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, inclusivity, and community makes it a truly special place for children to learn and grow.
Co-Headteachers, Mrs Jo Bird and Mrs Jane Gascoigne, shared their pride in the school community, commenting, “We are truly thrilled with this Ofsted report, which reflects our deep commitment in creating excellent opportunities for pupils. It highlights the hard work and dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our families. This wonderful Ofsted report really does reflect our motto of, ‘Together we plant, nurture and grow.’”
Donna Tandy, CEO of the Palladian Academy Trust, added, “I am delighted for the whole school community that the report recognises the strengths of Combe Down, the strong leadership and the excellent and equitable opportunities on offer for the pupils. We are proud to celebrate this report with them and delighted that inspectors noted the positive impact being part of Palladian Academy Trust has on pupils and colleagues.”
Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
