Rowlands Castle St John's Church of England Controlled Primary School

Overview

The inspection describes a school where leaders have a "clear moral purpose" and staff create a "positive working culture." Pupils generally achieve well, with outcomes above the national average in key subjects, and early years provision is rated at a "Strong standard." The report highlights a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and are well-supported, though it notes inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and attendance challenges.

Strengths

• Early years provision is a "Strong standard," with children getting off to a "flying start" through carefully designed curricula and knowledgeable staff.
• Pupils achieve well overall, with attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics "above the national average" by the end of key stage 2.
• Staff demonstrate "secure subject knowledge" and use checks effectively to identify gaps, ensuring disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs make good progress.
• The school fosters a "positive working culture" where staff feel valued, and governors provide effective oversight and challenge.
• Personal development is strong, with pupils learning to respect others and engage in activities that "widen their horizons."

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "delivered consistently well across all year groups" to address current variations in teaching quality.
• Leaders need to ensure their work on attendance has "greater impact," specifically to reduce persistent absence which is increasing for some groups.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.