‘Friendly, welcoming St Georges’ judged Good in all areas by Ofsted

St Georges Church School in Weston-super-Mare is set for a bright future following a positive report from Ofsted.

Inspectors who visited the primary in November have judged it as Good in all areas.

“The school has a clear vision for what all pupils can achieve,” Ofsted’s report said.

“Pupils enjoy coming to this friendly, welcoming school. There is a calm and purposeful atmosphere in and outside the classroom.

“Pupils feel safe and cared for. Relationships between pupils and adults are warm and respectful. Pupils trust adults to listen and help them with any worries or concerns that may arise.”

The two inspectors rated St Georges as Good for its quality of education and leadership and management as well as for pupils’ behaviour and attitudes and their personal development. Early years provision was also judged to be Good and safeguarding was said to be effective.

“The school has high expectations for what all pupils can achieve. Most pupils meet these expectations. They show positive attitudes, work hard and achieve well in most subjects.”

The report praised the clear systems in place to promote positive behaviour. It said children were polite and well mannered.

“Pupils enjoy their learning and are keen to do well. This starts in the early years. Children take turns and share their ideas eagerly. During social times, pupils of all ages behave well and enjoy the opportunities they have to play together.”

The inspectors highlighted good practice in the teaching of reading and maths, and appropriate adaptation for children with special educational needs or disabilities. They also noted the efforts made to ensure good pupil attendance.

“Trustees and members of the local governing committee know the school well. They hold the school to account for its actions and fulfil their statutory duties effectively. Staff enjoy working at the school. They appreciate the training they receive which helps them to develop their practice.”

The inspectors acknowledged that the school had been through “a period of turbulence” but said headteacher Jo Thorn and her team, with the backing of Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, had restored stability.

Headteacher Jo Thorn said: “This report is an important milestone for our school. I am extremely proud of our pupils, staff, families, governors and trust for demonstrating to Ofsted that St Georges is a very special, successful place to learn and grow. 

“We are already taking action on the next steps suggested by the inspectors to ensure we build on the strengths that they recognised. This will help our children to become independent, curious individuals who understand the importance of their place in the world.”