Ofsted recognises ambitious curriculum, highly effective teaching of reading and strongly held values at Swimbridge School

Swimbridge School is delighted with the report from its recent Ofsted inspection in April 2024.

Ofsted’s latest framework has changed significantly since the school’s last inspection in 2013 and is much more demanding - especially for smaller schools.

The inspectors wrote that reading is central to school life and that the teaching of reading is highly effective. The school has worked hard to have reading as a golden thread through all learning.

The inspectors also recognised that:

● by the time pupils leave the school, they know how to be successful learners

● the school opens pupils’ eyes to the world beyond North Devon

● pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities by teaming up with their peers in other local primary schools

● the school supports pupils who are facing challenges in their lives to develop their confidence and self-esteem through outdoor and adventure-based learning

● almost all pupils become accurate readers by the end of Year 1 and staff check pupils’ understanding of phonics systematically

● pupils learn without disruption to their lessons and enjoy one another’s company during social times

● the school benefits from capable and committed leadership

Executive Head Dan Polak says: “We are really proud of this judgement, which is such a positive and complimentary summary of the days spent with us. We feel the report has captured Swimbridge well and we recognise the strengths of the school reflected in the report. We were especially proud that the inspectors found that children left as successful learners and that this work started in reception.”

Head of School Gemma Poland says: “We work really hard on our school’s values and so we are very happy to see this is highlighted in the opening to the report. We’re thrilled that the inspectors celebrated how well the pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain and that they learn from a well-led and ambitious curriculum.

"The school currently has places across all year groups and we welcome visits from prospective parents and their children at any time.”

Chair of Governors Colin Wadworth says: “We are so grateful to work with such an engaged and positive community - this positive outcome is a reflection of our work as a partnership of children, families, staff, governance and the TEAM multi-academy Trust.”

The school has an exciting future ahead having been chosen by the Department for Education for a brand new school in the next tranche of its schools rebuilding programme. The new school will provide a modern, fit for purpose learning environment to complement the high standards of teaching.

To book a personal tour of the school, parents should contact the School Office on 01271 830437 or email admin@swimbridge-primary.org.