A PRIMARY school is celebrating after being rated ‘outstanding’ in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors carried out a two day inspection at St John the Evangelist CE VA Primary School in Carterton in January.

The strong leadership of the school was praised as the report stated: “Leaders, staff and governors want the best for all pupils.

“Leaders are unyielding in their pursuit of excellence in all areas.

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“All pupils leave fully prepared for their future learning.”

Mark Smith, headteacher at St John’s, said: “The children at our school often talk about the family of St John’s.

“This family ethos underpins all relationships and interactions and is evident in the commitment of the whole school community in creating the perfect place for children to learn and flourish.

“The success of the school is down to the unfaltering commitment of staff in providing the best education and care to all children, the support that we receive from parents and carers and of course the delightful children who are excited to learn and show the highest levels of respect and consideration for each other.

Oxford Mail:

“I am very proud to be the headteacher for such an amazing community.”

The report adds that pupils told inspectors bullying is unheard of because ‘everyone is very kind and caring’.

It was noted that ‘pupils work with local elderly residents on intergenerational projects, support a number of charities and collaborate with a school in Africa’.

Inspectors were also impressed with the way staff seize every opportunity to ensure that pupils understand the world past the school gates and encourage pupils to think deeply about both local and global issues.

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The report further highlighted the exemplary behaviour and attitudes pupils brought to lessons, and noted “they display a genuine thirst for knowledge and the utmost commitment to learning”.

Safeguarding was found to be effective, with a “strong culture where the well-being and safety of pupils is given paramount importance”.

When asked what the school needs to do better, the inspectors had no recommendations for improvement.

Simon Watson, chair of governors at St John’s, said: “Governors are particularly proud of the culture and values that are embedded in all aspects of school life.

“Leaders have worked tirelessly to make our school a place where every pupil can reach their full potential, where staff are valued, and their continued professional development is invested in.

Oxford Mail:

“The whole team has made our school a place where everyone is able to positively contribute to their local community.

“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they are an absolute credit to this school.”

As well as the outstanding grade awarded by Ofsted, the school has achieved external awards for mental health and wellbeing, online safety, and sports achievements.