Axbridge CofE First School Academy receive Ofsted rating ‘Good’.

Following their first Ofsted inspection since converting to an Academy, Wessex Learning Trust are delighted to announce that Axbridge Church of England First School Academy has received the rating of ‘Good’ in their latest Ofsted report.

With much in the media recently regarding Ofsted’s change in approach to grading, it has become more stringent and harder than ever to receive a Good or Outstanding grade. However, newly appointed Head teacher (April 2022) Dominic Shillabeer and his team received an incredibly warm and positive report, a true testament to the hard work they have done, and continue to do, to provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for our young learners.

The report states:

Pupils enjoy coming to this welcoming and inclusive school. They talk confidently about the school’s values and Christian ethos. Pupils understand how these values help them to be compassionate, kind and friendly. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive. They talk about the visibility of the new head teacher and the high levels of care and attention that staff show to pupils.

The report goes onto explain how the head teacher and his staff have high expectations for behaviour, and pupils understand and follow them well. They feel safe, and relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful. Pupils enjoy a range of clubs on offer to them including Spanish, art and dance as well as embracing opportunities to become ‘buddies’, ‘digital leaders’ and members of the ‘eco team’. All of this combined helps them to develop their confidence and set a great example to others.

Head teacher Dominic Shillabeer said,

‘I am absolutely delighted and very proud of all our students and staff who make Axbridge CofE First School Academy the vibrant, warm and welcoming school that it is. We strive to create caring, thoughtful and passionate pupils who are proud of themselves and the communities they live in, and we are pleased that Ofsted recognised this in their report and praised all that we do.’