Welcoming Holy Trinity 'outstanding' or 'good' in all five Ofsted categories

A Yeovil primary school is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors rated it ‘Outstanding’ in two key areas and ‘Good’ in three others.

Holy Trinity Church School, under the leadership of Adam Beauford, was inspected under the new Ofsted framework, which no longer delivers one word ratings.

Instead, the inspectors said the school was ‘Outstanding’ for Behaviour & Attitudes, and Personal Development’; and ‘Good’ for Quality of Education, Leadership & Management, and Early Years Provision.

The Ofsted report highlights the school’s welcoming and respectful culture, stating, "Pupil’s everyday actions embody the school’s ‘rainbow values’. They treat everyone around them with the utmost respect. This begins in the early years, where children quickly learn the school’s routines and high expectations for behaviour. This sets the foundation for pupils’ exceptional attitudes to their learning throughout the school. Pupils achieve well."

A strong sense of pupil engagement and leadership is evident throughout the school.

"Pupil voice is at the very heart of the school. They know that they can make a difference. Staff build positive relationships with pupils. Pupils trust staff will help them with any worries or concerns. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy at school. Parents and carers are unwavering in their support for the school."

The school offers a wide range of leadership opportunities, encouraging pupils to take responsibility. "The school provides pupils with a wide range of leadership opportunities, including heads of school, sports captains and junior governors. These opportunities build pupils’ understanding of responsibility and how they can influence change for the benefit of others. The school’s offer to promote and develop pupils’ interest and talents is vast. It ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to participate in a range of different clubs, including rugby, art, music and Rubik’s cube club.

"The curriculum is well-structured and ambitious, ensuring strong academic progress. "The school’s curriculum is broad and ambitious for all pupils. It has identified the key knowledge pupils need to learn from early years through to Year 6. This supports pupils to build knowledge sequentially over time and helps them to tackle more complex concepts.

"However, the report noted that some aspects of the curriculum need refining. "In some curriculum subjects, the work given to some pupils does not appropriately match their needs. For example, pupils in the early stages of writing are given tasks that are too complex for them before they have secured the basic foundations. This prevents pupils from building a depth of knowledge over time."

Reading remains a priority at the school, with staff ensuring that all pupils develop strong literacy skills.

"The school has prioritised reading. As soon as children join in early years, they learn to read letters and sounds. Staff are experts in the delivery of phonics. They have benefitted from appropriate training to implement the school’s phonics programme with consistency. Staff check to ensure pupils have learned the sounds and quickly spot pupils who are at risk of falling behind. Pupils receive the support they need to catch up."

The school was also praised for its support of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). "The school accurately identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff gain a thorough understanding of pupils’ needs. Staff empower pupils to understand their own individual needs well. Pupils can explain what additional resources they need to succeed with their learning. Adaptations to the curriculum enable these pupils to access the full curriculum and achieve well."

Pupil behaviour was rated as outstanding, with Ofsted noting, "Pupils conduct themselves exceptionally well during lessons and around the school. They are eager to contribute to class discussions. The school is a calm, orderly and safe environment." The school's commitment to personal development was also highly praised.

"The school ensures that pupils access broad and rich opportunities that help to develop their character. Staff help pupils to develop a strong moral compass. Pupils know the difference between right and wrong. Older pupils are good role models for younger children. They hold doors open for one another and adults. During ‘community time,’ pupils learn about the importance of tolerance and acceptance. Pupils emphatically say that everyone is equal and treated fairly."

Leadership and governance were recognised as strengths. "The school continues to prioritise pupils’ education and well-being. Regular training and a collaborative vision promote continuous improvement. Staff feel well supported by the school, governors and trust, to manage their workload."

Safeguarding at the school was found to be effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.

Holy Trinity Church School, which is part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust, currently has 410 pupils on roll. The school converted to an academy in 2016 and has continued to maintain high standards. The full Ofsted report is available on the Ofsted website for further details. 

Adam said: “It was so pleasing that Ofsted recognised the way in which our children live and breathe our values very day. We are very ambitious for every child and our team work hard both in the classroom and in the inspiring range of extra-curricular activities we offer.”