Ashill Community Primary School judged as Good with Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes by Ofsted.

Pupils and staff at Ashill Community Primary School, near Ilminster, are celebrating having been judged as Good with Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes following their recent OFSTED inspection at the end of June.

The inspection was a positive process and the inspectors recognised the tremendous hard work that everyone has put in since joining ACE – Academies for Character and Excellence – in January 2024.

OFSTED reported positively on all areas. The report commended the school for having high aspirations for all pupils and noted that ‘Increased expectations of pupils’ academic potential and the quality of education are already improving pupil outcomes in reading, writing, mathematics and some wider curriculum subjects’. The report states that the school is ‘happy and inclusive’ and that ‘the way in which pupils conduct themselves is exemplary’.

The inspection team commented that ‘Strong relationships built on trust and respect show pupils how to be kind and thoughtful to each other’ and that pupils felt ‘safe because staff pay close attention to their individual needs.’

OFSTED acknowledged the high aspirations of the Trust, commenting that ‘the

new curriculum is ambitious and designed to build pupils’ knowledge over time.

The curriculum clearly identifies the essential knowledge, skills and vocabulary that

pupils should remember’ and inspectors shared with the school what they need to do next in order to embed, refine and develop this.

Emma Johns, Headteacher of Ashill Community Primary School, expressed her delight at the outcome, attributing the success to the dedicated efforts of the school’s staff, children and families. “I am delighted for the pupils, staff and parents that Ofsted recognises that Ashill Community Primary School is such a great place in which to learn and I am incredibly proud of the entire team. The report reflects the hard work and effort that goes into ensuring that the school makes continuing improvementss in all areas. I would like to thank the staff at the school and our colleagues within ACE, all of whom have contributed to bringing the school to the point at which it now is. We are also grateful to all of our families and to the wider community for their ongoing support and engagement. My biggest thanks must go to the children, who are at the heart of everything we do; I am very proud of each and every one of them. The children shone throughout the inspection, speaking with confidence and enthusiasm about all of their learning, demonstrating and upholding our school’s values.” said Ms. Johns.

The school is part of The Academies for Character and Excellence. Cheryl Weyman, the Trust Leader said ‘We are pleased the inspection highlighted the ambition of the curriculum at Ashill. We believe in nurturing every aspect of our children’s growth across our schools, focusing not only academic excellence but also character development and the skills necessary for lifelong learning.’