Shrivenham Church of England School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

The school has made rapid progress since the last inspection under the good leadership of the headteacher. The whole staff have been committed to improve under her thoughtful guidance. Teaching is now good because of the regular oversight of this aspect of the school's work and also teachers' keenness to develop professionally.

Children get off to a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Rates of progress have accelerated over the past two years. Pupils reach above average standards in reading, writing and mathematics by Year 6.

Pupils behave well. They have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They demo...nstrate good attitudes to work and want to do well.

Staff take good care of the pupils. There are effective systems in place to look after their welfare. The vast majority of parents and carers are happy with their children's education and they provide good support for the school.

Governors, too, are supportive and helpful in the school's development. Pupils have equal opportunities and there is no evidence of discrimination. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Attainment in pupils' writing skills is not as high as in reading and mathematics, particularly for boys.

Pupils do not always develop their writing skills as well as they might through subjects other than English. Marking of written work is not yet consistently good. Not enough teaching is yet outstanding.

There is still scope for staff to develop and learn from colleagues and by sharing best practice.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average-sized primary school. Twenty per cent of the pupils are from forces families and so more pupils leave or join the school during the academic year than is normally found.

Most pupils are White British. The school currently supports a proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs at the stage known as school action which is around the national average. The proportion supported by school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs is also broadly average.

The proportion of pupils eligible to be supported by the pupil premium, which is extra government funding for certain pupils, including those who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children from the armed forces, is around the national average. The school has six classes including two mixed-age classes, Years 3/4 and Years 4/5. The current headteacher began her headship of the school just after the last inspection.