OFSTED INSPECTION (2023 inspection findings – top of the page) & SIAMS INSPECTION (2017 inspection findings – lower section of the page)

Headlines: The quality of education – GOOD

• This is a school that is truly at the heart of its community.
• Parents and carers are very positive about all the school has to offer. They really appreciate its place as a “small school in a big city.”
• The school is determined that all pupils will get a good start to their education here. To realise this, the school provides pupils with a  wide range of experiences to expand their horizons.
• The curriculum is designed so that learning builds progressively over time.
• The school has a very ambitious offer for developing pupils’ sporting experiences. Pupils can take part in wide-ranging opportunities such as archery, kayaking and taekwondo.
• There is a comprehensive offer for music, including tuition in playing a range of instruments.
• The school prioritises reading right from the early years. The school is equally passionate about developing in pupils a love of reading.

Headlines: Behaviour and attitudes – OUTSTANDING

• Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.
• Pupils behave impeccably around the school
• They are highly focussed in their lessons. This starts right from the early years, where children show a high level of focus in their play.
• From early years upwards they show a high level of commitment to their learning.

Headlines: Personal development – OUTSTANDING

• Pupils socialise with people from across the community.They enjoy serving lunch to elderly churchgoers and spending time with service users at a local Age UK centre. There are benefits all round when pupils visit a nearby special school.
• Pupils take an increasingly active role in the local environment by, for example, encouraging their peers to walk or cycle to school to improve ;local air quality.

Headlines: Leadership and management – GOOD

• Leaders have designed an ambitious and coherent curriculum which covers the breadth of the national curriculum.
• Leaders have responded positively to the increased numbers of pupils with special needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This includes through training and recruiting specialist staff to ensure that the needs of pupils with SEND are well met.
• Leaders ensure, through comprehensive monitoring system, that pupils attend school regularly.
• Leaders promote pupils’ personal development exceptionally well.

Headlines: Early years provision – GOOD

• The school prioritises reading from the early years.
• There is a sharp focus on ensuring that children learn phonics swiftly and confidently.
• In early years there is a dedicated quiet space for reading which children relish.

Safeguarding: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

• Pupils say they feel happy and safe.

Inspection Headlines: 

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of St John’s as a Church of England school are outstanding

• The headteacher, incumbent and governors share and articulate an ambitious Christian vision for the school that ensures that it lives out its mission of faith, excellence and enjoyment.
• Christian values are evident in every aspect of the school’s life and inspire its many contributions to the community.
• Worship and prayer are the heartbeat of the school, affirming adults and pupils, regardless of their faith or belief.
• The rich and fulfilling religious education (RE) curriculum gives pupils a deep understanding of Christianity and key world faiths so that they recognise similarities and celebrate difference.
• The strong and effective partnership with the parish church unite them as a shining light of Christian love in the community they serve.