South Petherton Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Pupils' attainment is above average in all subjects by the end of Year 6.

They make rapid progress in all year groups in reading, writing and mathematics. Outstanding teaching helps pupils to learn rapidly. Teachers inspire their pupils to do well.

They ensure that they achieve their potential and develop a desire to learn. Pupils who receive extra support through additional government funding make rapid progress and achieve as well as their peers. The curriculum is a significant strength in bringing about successful learning in a wide range of subjects, promoting positive attitudes to learning.

The outstanding provision ...for pupils' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is a key factor in school life. Pupils thoroughly enjoy South Petherton Junior because learning is extended by many memorable activities, both inside and outside of the classroom. These contribute to the pupils' excellent personal development.

The older pupils leave school as happy and confident individuals, who value themselves and others. Extremely strong leadership from the inspirational headteacher is fundamental to the school's success. Her determination has secured ongoing improvement in the quality of teaching and pupils' achievement in recent years.

The governing body is very committed and knowledgeable. The governors are focused on helping the school to improve even further and ensure there is no complacency. There is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere throughout the school.

This reflects the way that all members of the school's community value and respect each other. Everyone is committed to making South Petherton Junior the best school it can be. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

They show genuine care and respect for one another and their teachers. They demonstrate mature and responsible attitudes in all year groups. All pupils feel safe.

The headteacher and staff make excellent use of information on pupils' progress to ensure that all individuals are doing well. Any underperformance is identified and tackled to good effect. Parents are very pleased with all aspects of the school's provision, especially the way that the staff care for their children.

Information about this school

South Petherton Junior is a smaller than average-sized rural junior school. The great majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is significantly below the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is in line with the national average. The pupil premium is additional funding given to schools for children in the care of the local authority and those known to be eligible for free school meals.

South Petherton Junior meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' progress and attainment by the end of Year 6 in English and mathematics. The school is a member of the Yeovil Federation. The majority of pupils join the school from South Petherton Infants School.