Niamh Cunningham
Bemerton St John Primary School’s latest Ofsted report indicates that the school could be judged ‘outstanding’ if given a graded inspection now.
The judgement comes after a lead Ofsted inspector spent two days in the school in May, when the school was found to be providing a very high standard of education in all areas.
The report describes pupils’ behaviour as ‘exemplary’, the curriculum as ‘ambitious’ and ‘carefully planned’ for all year groups and the opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and talents as ‘excellent’.
The report comments: ‘Pupils love learning and are excited to attend school’.
Through high expectations which are well understood by the children, teachers allow pupils to ‘develop deeper and wider learning’ and ‘expertly shape activities to grip pupils’ interest’.
Headteacher Claire Pearce is delighted with the outcome of the inspection, which took place only a matter of weeks after she was appointed as permanent Headteacher for the school.
“This is a tremendous affirmation of the hard work and fabulous teamwork at Bemerton St John. I am incredibly proud of the pupils and our staff,” said Claire.
Mrs Pearce, a former pupil of Bemerton St John herself has worked at the school for the last twelve years and is passionate about achieving the very best for children.
“The report contains helpful advice for us about the further development of our strong curriculum in order to ensure that all children remember the essential knowledge in every subject. We have already made good progress since the inspection and are determined that when an Ofsted team returns for a graded inspection in a couple of years, we will achieve that top grade,” she continued.
In 2019 Bemerton St John became the first primary school to join Magna Learning Partnership, now a Trust of 10 schools in the Salisbury area.
Sarah Busby, CEO, is also celebrating the school’s achievement, “I am thrilled with the outcome of this inspection, but not surprised. Any visitor to this wonderful school is immediately struck by the quality of experience provided for the children here. We are delighted to share the excellent work at Bemerton with other schools in our Trust and also in the wider Salisbury area”.
The full report is available here: https://salisburyradio.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/10268562-Bemerton-St-John-Church-of-England-Primary-146808-FINAL.pdf
Andy Munns
