A BRIDGWATER primary school, which previously ‘required improvement’, is on its way to a ‘good’ rating.

St John and St Francis Church School on Westonzoyland Road received a ‘requires improvement’ rating from Ofsted at their last full inspection.

However, inspectors visited the school last month, and praised the leadership team, staff and governors and noted the quality of eduction from reception to year six.

They also said pupils were enthusiastic about the school, saying they enjoy the subjects on offer.

Headteacher Jenny Venning, who has been in her post since 2019, said the inspection was a reward for her staff, especially during recent lockdowns.

“This is a brilliant finish to the academic year - a year that has brought the challenges of the pandemic - but a year that has brought so many successes that are reflected in this report," she said.

"St John and St Francis Church School is a very special place for children and staff to learn and work together."

Inspector Stewart Gale acknowledged the impact of lockdown, but praised the school for keeping before and after clubs running.

He said the governors were ‘ambitious, diligent, and have established effective partnerships’ with the headteacher and other leaders.

He added: “Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action in order for the school to become a good school.

“Leaders, including the special educational needs coordinator and governors, know the school’s strengths and weaknesses well.

“This is enabling them to take the right steps to keep improving the school, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

In his report, Mr Gale said:

  • Since the previous section 5 inspection, leaders have focused well on the main priorities for improvement. A significant part of this has been to improve the quality of early reading and phonics. The school now prioritises this and promotes it well.
  • Leaders ensure that pupils benefit from learning the full range of subjects. Pupils told me they like learning about different subjects and often ‘want more'. Pupils are keen to learn. Subject leaders have ambitious plans.