Great Bedwyn CofE Primary School is celebrating an exceptional Ofsted report, with pupils flourishing, displaying immense pride and receiving an excellent start to their education. The education watchdog found that “Pupils show a thirst for learning. This begins as soon as they start school. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. Pupils feel safe. They play happily and harmoniously together at social times. They are focused and respectful. Pupils are polite to each other and to visitors. They celebrate difference and oppose any form of discrimination.”

Receiving ‘Outstanding’ in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, Lead Inspector Matt Fletcher could not have delivered a more glowing report for the 197 student population of Great Bedwyn CofE Primary.

Ofsted praised the school for its “ambitious curriculum” which “meets the needs of all pupils well”. Its “subject content is broken down into small steps” which is then developed year on year with “regular opportunities for pupils to recap on previous learning.” Essentially, this carves a path for students to retain “knowledge impressively over the long term”, which also leads to high published test results.

Added to this, “the school has created a culture where pupils are resilient and take risks. Mistakes are seen as valuable learning opportunities.” In the often pressurising, competitive society with which people live, this is undeniably an excellent underlying philosophy for life.

Great Bedwyn also offers an exceptional programme for personal development and extra-curricular activities, designed to ensure pupils have – in line with its motto – ‘wings to fly’ when they leave. Ofsted comments: “Pupils make a tangible difference to the lives of others, for example, by serving lunch to local elderly residents. Pupils make a difference to the world around them. They wrote to the local Member of Parliament (MP) about sewage in a local river to highlight the issue. The MP visited the school to find out further details from the pupils to tackle the problem. Pupils ‘earn their wings’ as they move through a journey of personal development at the school.”

Michelle Perrett, Principal at Great Bedwyn CofE Primary School comments: “I couldn’t be prouder of the outcome of this Ofsted report, which is down to the hard work and attitude of every single member of our school community. I would like to thank my amazing staff team in particular for their ongoing support in making Great Bedwyn such a special and nurturing place.”

Nicky Edmondson, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust adds: “We are delighted with this inspection report which recognises Great Bedwyn’s ambition and drive to provide an exceptional and unique learning environment, aligning with the Trust’s vision of providing an excellent education for all.”