St Katharine’s CofE Primary School in Marlborough, Wiltshire, is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted report, with inspectors praising its calm atmosphere, ambitious curriculum and exemplary behaviour.
The education watchdog concluded, ‘The school is calm and harmonious. Staff weave the school values of ‘friendship and respect’ throughout the day. These guide pupils successfully in all they do.’
Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, the school was placed in ‘Expected Standard’ or ‘Strong Standard’ across all categories, reflecting what inspectors described as a strong, reliable education for its 95 pupils aged four to 11.
Leaders were commended for their calm and positive approach, helping to create ‘a culture of belonging that pupils and families value highly’. Inspectors also described pupils’ behaviour as exemplary, highlighting the welcoming and respectful environment nurtured by staff, children and families.
The report praised the school’s ambitious curriculum, carefully designed for all year groups, including mixed-age classes. Inspectors noted that learning has ‘clear endpoints’ and builds ‘logically on what has already been taught and learned’, ensuring pupils develop knowledge and skills progressively.
Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from a rich wider curriculum. Inspectors commented, ‘From singing in the local church to meeting authors at a literature festival, the school strives to make learning engaging and memorable. Pupils enjoy all the school has to offer and take pride in their achievements.’
Niki Jones, Principal at St Katharine’s CofE Primary School, said, “I am extremely proud of our school community, the strengths of which have been so eloquently highlighted in this report. I appreciate that the new inspection framework and terminology signifies a change for us all, but rather than the former single-word judgement, we have been praised highly in each of the individual categories, with equally glowing comments to match.”
Nick Lewis, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust, said, “This report is a testament to the dedication, care, and close-knit community that make St Katharine’s such a special place. I warmly invite everyone to read the report, and even more, to come and see for themselves the friendly environment, high-quality teaching, and charming setting that make the school truly wonderful.”
St Katharine’s serves families from Marlborough and surrounding villages and hamlets, offering a small, community-focused setting where children are known and supported as individuals.
For more information, visit stkatharines.excalibur.org.uk.
