Lydeard St Lawrence Primary School, a small village school near Taunton with just 36 pupils, has recently been rated Good in all key areas by Ofsted. The inspection, conducted in June, applauded the school for its high expectations, welcoming atmosphere, and strong ties with the local community.
Previously rated Inadequate, the school has transformed under the leadership of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust. Inspectors highlighted the school’s “high expectations” and the supportive environment where every pupil feels safe and valued.
One inspector remarked, “Pupils, staff, and parents describe the school as ‘small yet mighty,’ which perfectly captures the tight-knit community spirit. Pupils are eager to learn and behave well. They feel confident that staff will support them whenever they have concerns. Pupils take pride in their responsibilities, such as ‘pupil ambassadors’ who initiated a ‘growing garden.’ The children enjoy harvesting vegetables and appreciate the importance of environmental care.”
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School leaders were recognized for their clear and determined vision, successfully engaging families and the wider community in a shared journey of continuous improvement. The curriculum, revamped from early years through to the end of Key Stage Two, includes regular knowledge checks and opportunities for pupils to revisit learning, ensuring they retain and understand more over time.
Reading emerged as a standout strength. The school has developed a focused approach to literacy, with pupils expressing enthusiasm for their favorite books and regularly listening to well-known stories. Reading materials are carefully chosen to match pupils’ phonics knowledge, supporting their fluency. Those needing extra help are quickly identified and given tailored support, enabling them to become confident readers.
Beyond academics, personal development is a key priority. Pupils actively participate in eco-friendly projects, protecting wildlife and endangered species on the school site and working alongside volunteers. Attendance has improved thanks to close monitoring and collaboration with families. The school is also praised for its effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Headteacher Rebecca Lihou expressed her pride: “We were thrilled to welcome Ofsted and celebrate the hard work of our entire community. Our school may be small, but our ambitions are huge. We thank everyone—children, families, staff, and our Multi Academy Trust—for their dedication to providing an excellent education for every child. At Lydeard St Lawrence, every child’s voice is strong and heard. They help shape not only our present but also a legacy for future generations.”
She added, “Our mission is to ensure every child leaves a lasting footprint with memories and skills that will serve them throughout their lives. This recognition is a huge achievement, and I look forward to building on this success together.”