Wookey Primary School has been recognised for its welcoming atmosphere, strong leadership, and commitment to improvement in its latest Ofsted inspection, which took place in January 2025.

While the school received a 'Requires Improvement' rating, the report highlights significant progress in key areas such as phonics, behaviour, and attendance, praising the clear vision of the leadership team and the positive changes already taking effect.

A supportive and nurturing school environment

Ofsted inspectors commended Wookey Primary for fostering a positive, inclusive, and caring environment where pupils enjoy school, behave well, and feel supported. Pupils spoke positively about their experiences, with many saying they feel safe and know they have trusted adults to turn to if they have concerns.

The school was also praised for providing opportunities beyond the classroom, with pupils taking on leadership roles such as 'play detectives' and lunchtime helpers, as well as engaging in community projects like the 'art eco project'.

The pre-school provision was highlighted as a particular strength, described as a happy and engaging space, with an improved learning environment that supports early development.

Clear progress in teaching and learning – but further development needed

A key area of improvement noted in the report is the school's approach to phonics and early reading. Inspectors found that books are now well-matched to pupils' reading levels, and those who need extra help are identified early and supported to catch up.

However, Ofsted found that teaching across the wider curriculum is inconsistent. Some teachers are successfully adapting lessons to meet pupils' needs, but not all staff have had the necessary training to deliver every subject effectively. This means that while some pupils receive high-quality teaching, others may not be benefiting from the same level of expertise.

To address this, the school is already prioritising staff training, ensuring all teachers have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver a consistent and high-quality curriculum across all subjects.

The report also noted that assessment methods need improvement. While pupils' progress in reading and phonics is well-monitored, in other subjects, gaps in knowledge are not always identified quickly enough. The school is working on developing more effective assessment strategies to ensure that pupils who need additional support do not fall behind.

Improvements in behaviour and attendance

The school's new behaviour policy was singled out as a success, with inspectors noting a significant drop in behavioural incidents and a calmer, more focused learning environment.

Attendance was also highlighted as a strong area of progress, with the school's proactive approach helping to reduce absence rates. However, Ofsted advised that the school should continue working on embedding these improvements further to ensure long-term success.

Supporting all pupils, including those with additional needs

Wookey Primary School was praised for its inclusive approach to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Inspectors found that pupils with additional needs are identified and supported promptly, and that staff work hard to ensure they receive appropriate help.

However, the report noted that while pupils with SEND are well-supported in some areas, in others, they are not always able to fully access the curriculum. Ofsted recommended that teaching strategies should be refined further to ensure that pupils with additional needs receive more tailored support in lessons, rather than relying solely on interventions outside of the classroom.

A dedicated leadership team with a clear plan for improvement

Governors were described as fully engaged in the school's vision, and staff were praised for their dedication and the pride they take in their work. Ofsted acknowledged that while there is still work to do, the school leadership has a clear plan for further development and is committed to continuing the improvements already underway.

Next steps for Wookey Primary School

Ofsted has set out clear recommendations to help the school continue its journey of improvement, including:

• Ensuring all staff receive training to deliver the curriculum consistently across all subjects.
• Refining assessment methods so that learning gaps are identified and addressed more effectively.
• Further developing strategies to support pupils with SEND, ensuring they can access the full curriculum within lessons.
• Embedding recent improvements in behaviour and attendance to maintain long-term success.

Looking ahead

While the 'Requires Improvement' rating reflects the areas still in development, the Ofsted report makes it clear that Wookey Primary School is on the right path. The school's positive learning environment, strong leadership, and commitment to improvement have already led to notable progress, and with its clear action plan, it is well-placed to continue building on these successes.

The school's response

Wookey Primary School has responded to the Ofsted report, emphasising its commitment to ongoing improvements and recognising the positive progress already made.

A spokesperson for the school said: "We take the feedback from our most recent Ofsted inspection very seriously and remain fully dedicated to making the necessary improvements to ensure the best possible outcomes for our pupils."

The school noted that internal evaluations prior to the inspection had already identified many of the areas for development, and welcomed Ofsted's recognition that it has "made a positive start in strengthening all aspects of the curriculum over recent months."

Describing this acknowledgment as a "positive step forward", the school said it will continue to reflect on current practices and implement further changes with the support of the local authority to benefit all pupils.

"We would like to thank our families for their ongoing support and understanding as we work to ensure every child receives the highest quality of education," the statement concluded.

You can find the full report here.