EDUCATION inspectors have praised Old Cleeve Church of England School, based in Washford, after visiting in July just before the start of the summer holidays.

Ofsted described it as ‘a strong and improving school’ after awarding an ‘outstanding’ judgment for its early years provision plus a judgment of ‘good’ for overall effectiveness.

Following its first inspection since becoming an academy, inspectors opened their report with the statement ‘pupils flourish at this friendly, family-oriented school’.

Lead inspector Matthew Barnes said: “They make a flying start from the moment they arrive to the school in nursery.

“Pupils go on to achieve well. Staff know each pupil as an individual.”

The Ofsted team noted the Beacon Education Trust and school leaders had worked together determinedly to turn around a previous decline in standards and inspectors could see current staff had raised expectations and improved the school systematically.

Old Cleeve had seen three changes of headteachers since the last inspection of its predecessor school, which became an academy in 2014.

Mr Barnes said leaders had secured the support and enthusiasm of all, staff felt and were valued, and as a result the curriculum had improved, pupils were learning more, and there was strong engagement from all members of the school community.

Early years children and staff in Old Cleeve School celebrate an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.
Early years children and staff in Old Cleeve School celebrate an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating. ( )

He said: “Nevertheless, leaders know there is more to do. They recognise that subject planning now needs refinement so that pupils can learn more and with greater understanding.”

Headteacher Emma Murch, who joined the 116-pupil school in 2021, said: “I am immensely proud of the Old Cleeve family, the team of adults are dedicated, thoughtful and ambitious.

“They strive for the very best for the children.

“Their dedication around curriculum redesign was recognised and praised as well as their enthusiasm.

“Our children are enthusiastic, kind, and determined and it is a joy supporting them to flourish as individuals.

“The parents and carers of Old Cleeve School are supportive of their children and the school community and it was lovely to see so many of them share their views about their children’s experiences at school.

“It is extremely rewarding reading our Ofsted report which captures our wonderful school so perfectly.

“We are excited to continue to improve the school together, maintaining a love for reading and sharing the successes of our outstanding early years.”

Old Cleeve School’s academic improvement board chairman Jane Bellamy said: “I am keen to ensure the Christian ethos of the school is upheld so I am thrilled that Ofsted noted that children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is stimulated very effectively through regular school and church calendar events.

“In the year ahead, we will be continuing to pursue our vision to ‘see remarkable things every day’ either through academic success or personal challenge.

“We aim to give all our pupils the best possible education to ensure they have the tools to succeed in later life.”

Beacon Education Trust chief executive Robert Lakin said: “It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you receive such encouragement and recognition by Ofsted for the efforts already made.

“Congratulations to Emma and her team and thanks to all our trustees, parents, and carers for their continuing support of the school.”