Kilmersdon celebrates positive SIAMS inspection as pupils enjoy ‘life in all its fullness’

Kilmersdon Church School has been recognised for the strength of its Christian vision, caring culture and commitment to helping every child flourish following its latest Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS).

Inspectors found that the school is "living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish," highlighting the impact of its vision to create a place of trust, forgiveness and peace where children can persevere and enjoy "life in all its fullness".

The report identified a number of significant strengths, including:

• The school's Christian vision is central to leadership, decision-making and school improvement.
• A strong culture of belonging ensures pupils and staff feel valued, listened to and well supported.
• Collective worship is described as engaging, uplifting and deeply rooted in the school's values and Anglican tradition.
• The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, with targeted support helping all pupils, including those with additional needs, to flourish.
• Religious Education is a high-profile subject, with pupils showing curiosity, respect and enthusiasm when exploring different faiths and worldviews.

Inspectors also praised the school's positive relationships, noting that staff and pupils bring the school's values of trust, forgiveness, peace, perseverance, friendship and hope to life in their daily interactions.

Pupils were described as happy and enjoying strong friendships, while staff feel valued and supported in their professional development and wellbeing.

The report also highlighted the positive partnership between the school, parish church, Diocese and Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, recognising the impact these relationships have on both staff development and pupil outcomes.

Headteacher Stephanie Dowley said: "We are delighted that the inspection recognised what makes Kilmersdon such a special place. Our Christian vision sits at the heart of everything we do and guides how we care for, support and challenge every child to be their very best.

"I am incredibly proud of our pupils, staff, governors and wider community. This report reflects the warmth, encouragement and sense of belonging that visitors experience when they come into our school. We are committed to ensuring every child feels valued and has the opportunity to flourish academically, socially and spiritually."

Nikki Edwards, CEO of Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, said: "This is a wonderful affirmation of the work taking place at Kilmersdon Church School. The report highlights a school where the vision is not simply displayed on the wall but lived every day through relationships, learning and collective worship.

"I would like to congratulate Stephanie, her staff team, governors and the whole school community. Their commitment to ensuring children experience 'life in all its fullness' shines throughout the report. We are proud to have Kilmersdon as part of our Trust family and look forward to supporting the school as it continues to go from strength to strength."

While celebrating the school's many strengths, inspectors identified opportunities to further develop pupils' understanding of justice and to deepen the use of the school's spiritual language across all aspects of school life. Leaders have welcomed these recommendations as part of the school's ongoing journey of improvement.

Kilmersdon Church School is part of Bath & Wells Multi Academy Trust, which serves more than 8,000 pupils across schools throughout the region. The SIAMS report reflects the Trust's commitment to enabling every child and adult to flourish in schools rooted in strong values, high expectations and a culture of belonging.