St John and St Francis Church School rated ‘good’ by Ofsted

St John and St Francis Church School received Ofsted's second-highest rating in each of its five categories: Quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

St John and St Francis, Westonzoyland Road, was told it ‘required improvement’ after its previous inspection in November 2019.  

Headteacher Jim McCall, who took over last year, said the school community is “delighted” with the result.

Inspectors said the school's 406 pupils “learn to lead respectful lives” and “have positive attitudes to school and their learning”. 

The report stated: “Since the previous inspection, leaders have improved the school in many respects.

“Staff and parents recognise this. They value leaders’ openness and integrity. Leaders are considerate of staff’s well-being and mindful of how their decisions impact staff’s workload.

“Governors know the school, its curriculum, staff and pupils well. They draw everyone together around their vision for the school, based on Christian values.”

St John and St Francis School has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. Picture: Google Street View

It added: “Vulnerable families receive timely support. Leaders are strong advocates for pupils and their parents.

“They are mindful of pupils’ needs in the event of any gaps or delays in the support they receive from external agencies.”

Staff members were also praised for working together “to make sure that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities learn the same detailed knowledge as everyone else”.

It said teachers bring the curriculum to life in “imaginative ways”, including a year one ‘virtual trip’ to Africa and visits to Somerset landmarks for older children, and ensure “that all pupils take on a position of responsibility”.

Bullying is “rare” and dealt with effectively if it does happen.

To improve further, the report says leaders should “ensure that teaching consistently enables pupils to gain a secure understanding of key subject concepts” to reduce mistakes and misconceptions.

Mr McCall said: “Our whole community here at St John and St Francis is delighted with this inspection report, which reflects the hard work done by our staff at a time when we are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

“I was especially pleased to see that our work with families was praised because this is a key part of what we are all about.

“Working together is at the heart of what we do – children, families, staff, our governors and the support we get from the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust.

“Of course, we do not plan to stand still. We are considering the report closely, will build on our strengths and seek to improve in all areas.”

The school is located on Westonzoyland Road. Picture: Google Street View

Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust chair of trustees Nigel Daniel added: “I am delighted that the progress in the school is recognised in this ‘good’ rating by Ofsted.

“Leaders and staff have worked extremely hard to achieve these improvements during the major disruptions of the Covid pandemic, going the extra mile in providing additional support to vulnerable families. Many congratulations and thanks to all leaders and staff.

“Our trust is here to support the continued development of our schools and this will continue to further enhance the education provided to the children entrusted to our care.”

You can read the full report by clicking HERE.