Oakhill Church School, where pupils start each day with joy and sense of pride - Ofsted
Pupils at Oakhill Church School “start each day with joy and a sense of pride in their school”.
That’s was the verdict of Ofsted inspectors who visited the Radstock primary school earlier this year, with the assessment carried out under the revised national framework.
There was particular praise for Inclusion, and Leadership & governance which were both rated as being of a ‘strong standard’ .
The inspectors said: “Leaders have established a highly inclusive school culture which is clearly understood and demonstrated by staff and pupils and (there is) rigorous oversight of the school's provision for pupils who need additional support or adaptations.
“Leaders have also been unfaltering in their focus to create a highly inclusive culture which puts pupils’ learning, development and preparation for life beyond school at the heart of their actions and decision-making.
“Professional staff learning is prioritised by leaders and supported strongly by the wider trust. Staff are empowered to aspire highly, which they do, alongside a shared understanding of the school’s commitment to improvement. This includes non-teaching staff and those at the start of their teaching career.
“Leaders’ work to strengthen whole school community cohesion is notable. It was brought to life in the recent collaborative project work to create the school’s outdoor learning. Parents and carers have many positive views about the school’s journey of improvement.”
Inspectors commended pupil learning and development, commitment to staff wellbeing, and the high‑quality professional development secured through the trust.
Other key areas - attendance & behaviour, curriculum & teaching, early years, and personal development & wellbeing - were judged to meet the expected standard, demonstrating the school’s secure foundations and positive trajectory. Inspectors noted strong relationships, improved behaviour, a carefully sequenced curriculum, effective early years provision, and well‑considered work in personal development and wellbeing.
The report said safeguarding standards are met, praising the school’s open and positive safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe and concerns are addressed swiftly and effectively. Astute decisions have been made which have led to rapid improvement across all aspects of the school.”
Pupils’ lived experience stands out in the report, with Ofsted observing that children “start each day with joy and a sense of pride in their school… they are welcomed warmly with music and by staff that show genuine interest in their wellbeing and readiness to start the day. Pupils take this positivity into their first learning tasks of the day.” and benefit from warm, caring relationships with staff”.
The inspectors added that the leadership’s actions to improve the curriculum and ensure a highly inclusive approach to learning and development have secured some recent improvements, notably in reading and writing. Mathematics is also showing notable improvement in current learning.
Executive headteacher Steph Dowley said: “This report reflects the hard work and commitment of our whole school community – staff, pupils, families and the trust. We are proud of the strong standards recognised by inspectors, and we remain fully focused on continuing to strengthen academic outcomes and provide an exceptional, inclusive education for every child.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to parents, carers and wider community for their ongoing support and partnership as the school continues its ambitious improvement journey.”
Nikki Edwards, chief executive officer of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust, added: “We are incredibly proud of Oakhill Church School. This inspection result showcases the dedication and resilience of leaders, staff and pupils, and reflects the transformative work that has taken place over the past several years. The strong standards recognised in leadership, governance and inclusion are particularly significant under the new Ofsted framework, and they demonstrate the depth of expertise and aspiration within the school.