Wrington Church of England Primary School in Somerset has been commended for its warm community spirit and nurturing environment in its latest Ofsted inspection. Described as a place where “joyful singing permeates throughout” and pupils are encouraged to “flourish and aspire,” the school truly lives up to its reputation as a beacon of kindness and academic growth.
Situated on School Road in the village of Wrington, Bristol, the primary school serves 198 pupils and is led by headteacher Sarah Joskey. It operates under the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, overseen by CEO Gary Lewis and chaired by Adele Haysom.
During the two-day inspection on June 10 and 11, 2025, Ofsted rated the school as ‘Good’ across all key areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
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Inspectors praised the school’s “strong sense of community,” reflected in the kind and happy nature of its pupils. They noted that students feel safe and supported, knowing that any concerns will be listened to. This supportive atmosphere aligns with the school’s core vision to cherish and nurture every child.
High expectations and an ambitious, broad curriculum enable pupils to thrive. In particular, subjects like mathematics and music stood out. Pupils demonstrated a deep understanding, explaining how learning to count in fives supports tally chart creation and confidently discussing musical notation and composition.
Reading is a priority, supported by skilled staff who foster fluency and a love for books. One pupil described reading as “a portable world you can go into at any time,” highlighting the school’s success in creating passionate readers.
Leadership opportunities abound, with pupils serving as school councillors, ‘playground buddies,’ and ambassadors in various areas. Notably, ‘science ambassadors’ have enhanced playtime by introducing science discovery kits, sparking curiosity beyond the classroom.
Behaviour is guided by Wrington’s ‘High Five’ values, resulting in highly engaged pupils who show a commendable understanding of discrimination and respect. Attendance rates have also improved due to proactive leadership efforts.
The school’s inclusivity is a standout feature, with strong support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staff tailor learning to meet individual needs, ensuring these pupils make meaningful progress.
Pupils benefit from enriching experiences including visits to the Houses of Parliament and local museums, deepening their understanding of British values. Their social responsibility shines through initiatives like donating toys to a link school in Zambia.
Despite these strengths, the report identified two areas for development. Occasionally, handwriting errors such as letter formation go uncorrected, leading to repeated mistakes. Additionally, while the curriculum is generally well planned, some pupils struggle to connect learning across wider subjects, limiting depth of knowledge compared to standout areas like math and music. The trust has been advised to focus on supporting fluent writing and strengthening curriculum links.
Overall, Wrington CofE Primary was lauded for its dedicated staff, vibrant culture, and balanced focus on academic and personal growth. Leaders and governors work collaboratively and rigorously to understand the school’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Headteacher Sarah Joskey expressed pride in the recognition, emphasizing the school’s commitment to offering exciting opportunities, especially in music and sport, to help pupils flourish.
Dr Gary Lewis, CEO of Lighthouse Schools Partnership, praised the school as a “delightful village school” rooted in community with children “full of joy in their learning.” He commended staff for preparing pupils to become well-rounded members of society.
This marks Wrington’s first full graded inspection since converting to academy status. Previously rated ‘Outstanding,’ the school continues to uphold its strong tradition of excellence and care under new Ofsted guidelines.