Spaxton CofE Primary School, nestled in the rural village of Spaxton, Somerset, has impressed Ofsted with its warm, focused learning environment and strong academic achievements. With just 47 pupils aged four to 11, spread across three mixed-age classes, this small school demonstrates how ambition and care combine to create a thriving educational community.
During a two-day inspection in April, Ofsted described the school as a “calm and purposeful place where pupils want to learn.” The school earned a ‘good’ rating across all key areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
“The motto ‘Together we flourish and achieve’ truly resonates here,” noted inspectors. “Pupils feel supported by caring staff and know they have trusted adults they can turn to with worries or concerns. It’s clear that pupils genuinely enjoy coming to school.”
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Led by headteacher Rachel Rood since September 2020, Spaxton CofE Primary is part of the Quantock Education Trust. This was the school’s first section 5 inspection since joining the trust, and it maintained strong results despite previously being rated ‘outstanding’ before academy conversion.
Inspectors praised the school’s united staff vision, high expectations, and broad, ambitious curriculum. Pupils enthusiastically engage with well-sequenced lessons tailored especially for mixed-age classes. Staff benefit from expert training to strengthen subject knowledge, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), receive timely support.
While the report highlighted strengths, it also pointed to areas for growth. In some subjects, pupils struggle to recall key knowledge necessary for future learning, and the writing curriculum, though refined, is still being embedded. Inspectors noted some pupils make repeated writing errors that require more consistent attention.
Reading remains a clear priority. Pupils are given ample opportunities to practise phonics and build fluency. The school’s well-stocked library and reading ambassadors actively promote a love for books, while progress is regularly monitored to support those needing extra help.
The school’s positive culture extends beyond academics. Pupils display good behaviour, positive attitudes, and cooperative play during social times. The curriculum supports health, wellbeing, and safety, including online protection. Trips, residentials, clubs, sports competitions, and performances offer broader development opportunities, nurturing responsible and respectful young citizens.
Safeguarding is robust, with a culture that prioritises pupil welfare effectively.
Headteacher Rachel Rood reflected, “We’re proud of the progress recognised by Ofsted. Our focus on curriculum quality is already impacting pupil outcomes positively. Thanks to our committed staff, pupils, parents, governors, and the Quantock Education Trust, we continue to foster an environment where pupils flourish and want to learn.”
Chair of Governors Mr Watson added, “Spaxton is a special place built on strong values and care. Our staff’s dedication to providing the best opportunities is rightly recognised in this report, reflecting the ambition and commitment that drive our school forward.”
Chrysta Garnett, CEO of Quantock Education Trust, shared her pride: “It’s wonderful to see Spaxton thriving as a vital rural school. The strong leadership and community spirit combine to deliver excellent results while maintaining the school’s unique village character.”