St Martin’s Garden Primary School in Bath has made notable strides in its journey of improvement after appointing a new headteacher and deputy headteacher last year. According to a recent Ofsted report published earlier this month, children at the school are benefiting from significant advancements.
The inspectors acknowledged the school’s recent period of “significant changes in leadership and staffing,” which initially caused some disruption within the school community and slowed overall progress. However, the new leadership team, supported by the trust, has developed a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for further improvement.
The report highlighted that although recent turbulence unsettled pupils and families, the situation is stabilizing. Pupils are now building positive, trusting relationships with staff, displaying good behaviour in lessons and around the school, feeling safe, and confidently sharing any concerns they might have.
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Ofsted praised the school for its “broad and ambitious curriculum,” emphasizing St Martin’s Garden’s strong commitment to children’s personal development. Pupils receive guidance on online and offline safety, healthy eating, and develop a mature appreciation of British values.
Students at the school enjoy a wide range of enriching activities, from horse riding to performing in a production of The Wizard of Oz. These opportunities are carefully selected to engage pupils’ interests and meet their developmental needs. The school also prioritizes equitable access, ensuring disadvantaged pupils participate fully in extracurricular activities that nurture their creative, artistic, and sporting talents.
Inspectors commended the school’s “well-considered, step-by-step” approach to inclusion, focusing on creating a supportive environment where all pupils can thrive.
Despite these positive findings, Ofsted identified three key areas requiring continued focus: academic achievement, attendance, and leadership and governance. Attainment and progress currently fall below national averages, though staff have implemented decisive measures to address this.
Attendance remains a challenge, with overall figures beneath the national average and a high number of pupils missing significant portions of schooling. While efforts are underway to improve attendance, further work is needed.
On the brighter side, pupil behaviour was found to be a strength. Lessons are typically calm and purposeful, and the school fosters a culture of care and support. Pupils are encouraged to treat others equally, resulting in minimal bullying, and they enjoy positive social interactions during breaks.
Headteacher Joe Lund expressed his satisfaction with the progress so far: “We are absolutely delighted with the improvements recognised at St Martin’s Garden. Our team is united in meeting the needs of every child. Each time I visit classrooms or show visitors around, I see the positive changes happening. We understand that our improvement journey is rapid but achievable, and the children remain central to everything we do.
“It is heart-warming to see Ofsted acknowledge our leadership’s focus on the right priorities. We aim to raise the school’s profile locally and, with ongoing dedication from staff, families, and the wider community, we are confident of continued success for our children.”