Wookey Primary School has been recognised for its welcoming atmosphere, strong leadership, and commitment to improvement, receiving positive feedback from Ofsted as it continues its journey towards providing the highest standard of education.

Following its latest Ofsted inspection in January 2025, the school received a 'Requires Improvement' rating, but inspectors highlighted significant progress in key areas, particularly in phonics, behaviour, and attendance. With a clear vision and dedicated leadership team, the school is already seeing positive changes take effect.

A nurturing and inclusive school environment

The report commends the new leadership team for their ambitious vision and high expectations for all pupils. Pupils were found to enjoy school, behave sensibly, and feel supported by staff, knowing they have someone to turn to if they have any concerns.

The school provides a range of opportunities beyond the classroom, with pupils taking on leadership roles, such as 'play detectives' and lunchtime servers, and contributing to community projects like the 'art eco project'.

Inspectors also praised the school's pre-school provision, describing it as a happy and engaging space, with improved indoor and outdoor learning environments that support early development.

Clear progress in key areas

The report acknowledges that the school has already made significant improvements in its curriculum, particularly in phonics and early reading. Inspectors noted that books are now well-matched to pupils' reading levels, and those who need extra support are identified early and helped to catch up.

However, some areas of the curriculum still require further development, particularly in ensuring consistency in how subjects are taught. While some teachers are successfully adapting lessons to meet pupils' needs, not all staff have had the necessary training to deliver every subject effectively. The school is working on improving assessment methods to ensure that any gaps in pupils' learning are quickly identified and addressed.

Behaviour and attendance improvements recognised

Inspectors praised the school's new behaviour policy, noting a significant drop in incidents and a more focused learning environment. Attendance was also highlighted as an area of strong progress, with the school's proactive approach helping to reduce absence rates.

The school's inclusive approach to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) was also recognised. Inspectors found that pupils with additional needs are identified and supported promptly, but improvements in curriculum delivery are needed to ensure all pupils fully benefit from their learning opportunities.

Strong leadership and a clear plan for the future

Governors were described as fully engaged in the school's vision and committed to addressing areas for development. Staff were also praised for their dedication, with many expressing pride in the school and valuing its supportive environment.

Next steps for Wookey Primary School

Ofsted has set out clear recommendations to continue the school's progress, including:

• Ensuring all staff receive training to deliver the curriculum consistently across all subjects.
• Strengthening leadership oversight to maintain high standards in teaching and learning.
• Enhancing assessment methods to identify and close gaps in pupils' knowledge.

While the school has further improvements to make, Ofsted's report makes it clear that positive changes are already underway. With strong leadership, a committed team, and a clear strategy for improvement, Wookey Primary School is on the right path to delivering a high-quality education for all pupils.

You can find the full report here.