Christ Church First School in Frome has welcomed local MP Anna Sabine to celebrate the school’s dramatic turnaround following a period of significant challenge.
The visit saw Anna Sabine meet with Executive Headteacher Joe Beament, Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust Assistant Director of Education Abby Atkins and Co-Chair of Governors Damon Hooton to hear more about the school’s improvement journey and its renewed focus on children and families.
The school was previously judged inadequate by Ofsted in 2022, when inspectors raised serious concerns around safeguarding, behaviour and support for vulnerable pupils. However, following sustained work by leaders and staff, the school was found to be meeting the expected standard in its most recent inspection in 2026.
A new executive headship model introduced in September 2024 helped provide stability and clear leadership as the school worked to rebuild confidence within the community.
Inspectors praised the calm learning environment, improvements in behaviour and safeguarding and the strong support offered to pupils. Inclusion was highlighted as a major strength, with Ofsted describing it as the ‘defining feature of daily life’ at the school.
During her visit, Anna Sabine met pupils and staff and heard about the work taking place to ensure every child feels supported and able to thrive.
“The school is making amazing progress, and it was a privilege to visit and see this firsthand,” she said, “It is evident that the team has a genuine passion for the wellbeing of their pupils and is wholly committed to providing them with the best quality of education possible.”
Joe Beament said, “Christ Church’s journey from inadequate to inspiring has been driven by relentless ambition for children, deep moral purpose and exceptional teamwork.
“This transformation belongs to the staff who never gave up, the children who inspire us every day and the community who placed their trust in the school again. We have built a calm, inclusive and aspirational school where every child is known, valued and supported — and while we are proud of how far we have come, our journey is far from finished.”
Leaders also discussed the school’s future role within the growing Frome community and their plans to continue building on recent successes.
Families considering local school options are increasingly looking for schools with strong pastoral care and inclusive values, and Christ Church First School says it is determined to continue strengthening both as it enters its next chapter.
