St Dunstan’s School, a secondary school in Glastonbury, has received high praise from Ofsted for its “strong sense of community.” The school was rated ‘good’ across all areas following a recent inspection.
Ofsted acknowledged the school’s unique reward system, which uses its own currency known as “Dunnie Dollars” to celebrate values such as truth, resilience, ambition, community, and kindness. Pupils can earn these points and use them to select rewards of their choice. The report also highlighted the school’s focus on empowering students, with opportunities for leadership roles and a student council.
Furthermore, inspectors observed a vibrant culture of reading among the students, with regular reading sessions for both pupils and adults to share their love for stories. The school was also commended for its support of autistic students through the specialist Autism Resource Centre, tailored to individual needs and ambitions.
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However, Ofsted identified areas for improvement, including the need for clearer communication with families regarding support for pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and the necessity to address gaps in students' understanding before progressing to new topics.
St Dunstan’s School, a mixed-gender comprehensive catering to students aged 11 to 16, currently has 462 pupils. The school’s administration has been contacted for comment, though responses may be delayed due to the ongoing Easter break.