St Alban's CofE Aided Primary School described as "warm, ambitious and successful" in latest Ofsted report

St Alban's Church of England Aided Primary School, in St Alban's Road, Havant, has been described as a “warm, ambitious and increasingly successful” setting following an inspection which took place on January 13.

The report outlined the school is working at the expected standard in all areas apart from personal development which has a strong standard.

Sarah Goldsworthy, headteacher, said: “We’re delighted. It was a new framework so it was a bit unknown but we have been working incredibly hard for the last two years since I arrived in April 2024 to get such a positive outcome so we are really, really delighted.”

The inspection said: “At St Alban's Primary School, pupils learn in an environment where they are safe, included and well cared for. Leaders have worked hard to create this supportive culture.

“The school’s values of love, courage and fellowship come through clearly in how pupils behave and in their attitudes to learning.

“Pupils with vulnerabilities or pupils who are disadvantaged get the right help so they can join in with lessons and school life. The school understands pupils’ individual needs and supports them well.”

The primary school has improved the curriculum content which is now “well sequenced” and meets the needs of all pupils, with a strong focus on early reading and maths. Teachers address errors quickly but the reported noted that “key knowledge” is not always taught with as much “rigour and precision” as needed.

The inspection said attendance is a “high priority” and it has increased year on year since the pandemic, with leaders monitoring pupils who are consistently absent.

The report added: “Leaders have significant ambition for continued improvement of the school. All stakeholders recognise the positive impact of recent developments, particularly in meeting the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable learners.

“Leaders have a crystal-clear understanding of the school's key strengths and areas that need to develop further. Leaders ensure that these priorities closely relate to staff training and development.”

Sarah added: “Our work on inclusion was really important to me when I first arrived. It was something I felt really needed to be front and centre of our improvement and it’s come out as really positive. As a Church of England school, our core values are at the centre of everything we do and the family feel, the community and the love makes this school a really wonderful place to be.”

The safeguarding measures are effective at the school and there is a strong and open culture of keeping children safe, and it is everyone's responsibility to maintain this. Concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed.

For more information about the Ofsted report for St Alban’s CofE (Aided) Primary School, click here.