Widcombe Church of England Junior School has kept its Outstanding reputation following a recent Ofsted inspection.
The school in Widcombe | Image © Google Street View / Google 2025
It was the first inspection since the Pulteney Road school, which takes children aged from seven to 11, was taken over by Palladian Academy Trust in 2016.
The school had previously been rated as Outstanding in both 2014 and 2010.
The report published this week follows a visit by two inspectors in March.
The school is rated as Outstanding in all areas – for quality of education, leadership and management, pupils’ personal development and their behaviour and attitudes.
Since September 2024, schools have not been awarded an overall effectiveness grade.
The inspectors say: “Pupils flourish at Widcombe Junior School. The motto for pupils to ‘be the best you can be’ is fostered through the school’s exceptionally well-designed curriculum and wider offer.
“Pupils rise to the very high expectations staff have of them. Their achievement is excellent.
“Caring staff take the time to get to know pupils as individuals. Pupils feel safe and confident to share any worries. Pupils brim with delight when they arrive at school as they are eager to learn.
“Their attendance is high. Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. Across the school, pupils relish being together, for example when playing piano together at breaktime.”
The report highlights that pupils are given every chance to shine: “For example, they visited a West End musical, which inspired them to perform in the school’s production of Matilda.
“Pupil leaders, such as school councillors, make a tangible difference to the school community. Mindfulness, sewing and target clubs spark new interests. Pupils put their French skills to effective use on a trip to France. They return from residential trips ready for new challenges in secondary school.”
The inspectors say: “Pupils demonstrate impressive knowledge of different cultures and ways of life. They show an extraordinary understanding of the protected characteristics and understand why discrimination is wrong.
“They embody the school’s aspirations for them to be confident and resilient individuals, well-prepared for life beyond school.”
The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is said to be “exemplary” with pupils’ needs identified quickly and accurately.
“The school works determinedly with families to create bespoke individual support for pupils. Skilled teachers provide activities to help these pupils access the curriculum successfully. Pupils with SEND achieve highly.”
The school, trust leaders and those responsible for governance are praised in the report for providing pupils with an “excellent” education: “This strong leadership means pupils’ changing needs are exceptionally well met.
“Parents are highly positive about the school. Staff could not be more proud to work here.”
The school is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells and there are 236 pupils on the roll.
