Dulverton Junior School in Somerset has made impressive progress, earning praise from Ofsted inspectors after a challenging inspection last year. The school, which shares its site with All Saints Church of England Voluntary Controlled Infant School in Fishers Mead, Dulverton, educates 41 pupils aged 7 to 11 and is part of the Moorland Federation.
In the latest Ofsted report, three out of four inspected areas were rated ‘Good’, a notable improvement from the previous year’s findings. Inspectors highlighted the school’s warm, inclusive atmosphere and the dedication of its staff and leadership team. Pupils demonstrated growing confidence and strong personal development. While the quality of education was still rated as ‘Requires Improvement’, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all received ‘Good’ grades.
Head of School Nicola Stenner, who took up her role in September 2024, expressed pride in the report, acknowledging both the progress made and the work still to be done. “We are thrilled that the report recognises the improvements we have made this year, and we are already implementing plans to continue advancing our quality of education,” she said. She thanked the staff, pupils, and parents for their ongoing support throughout the school’s journey.
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The report attributed much of the school’s progress to its recent move to share a site with the infant school, which has fostered a strong sense of community. Federation-wide support has also played a vital role, with staff feeling supported and benefiting from a robust professional development programme that has enhanced their subject knowledge.
A central focus of Dulverton Junior’s turnaround has been fostering a love of reading. The well-resourced library at the heart of the school, run partly by enthusiastic pupil librarians, is a testament to this renewed priority. Inspectors noted improving reading confidence and fluency among pupils.
Positive behaviour was another highlight. Pupils consistently follow the school’s expectations to be ‘ready, respectful and safe,’ forming strong relationships with both staff and peers. They serve as positive role models for younger children, underlining the school’s calm and respectful ethos.
Governors and the local authority have supported the school’s efforts to overhaul its curriculum, making it broader and more ambitious. Beyond the classroom, outdoor learning is an important part of pupil development. Programmes like ‘Generation Exmoor’ help students build resilience and endurance while exploring Exmoor National Park alongside peers from other federation schools.
Despite these advancements, inspectors noted areas for improvement. Teaching practices need to be more consistent in defining learning goals and breaking tasks into manageable steps. Monitoring of pupils’ understanding also requires greater regularity and focus. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been proactive, but staff expectations for these pupils could be raised further.
Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective, and the school’s varied extracurricular offerings—including cheerleading, gymnastics, archery, and cricket—were praised. Pupils engage enthusiastically with their personal, social, health, and education programme, contributing to a positive and nurturing school culture.
Overall, Dulverton Junior School’s journey from struggle to success demonstrates the power of determined leadership, community support, and a clear vision for continuous improvement.