Executive headteacher at Christ Church First School in Frome with pupils

Inspectors recognise turnaround of Somerset school that was “in turmoil”

Paul JonesMarch 5, 20260 Comment0

A SOMERSET school described as being “in turmoil” by inspectors just four years ago has been praised after a recent visit.

In February 2022, Christ Church First School, in Frome, was rated as ‘inadequate’ in all areas following a visit by Ofsted inspectors, who said “too many pupils were unhappy and not safe”.

Soon after, it joined the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT), and what the trust described as a ‘transformation journey’ began.

Under new leadership, the school “worked with unwavering commitment to rebuild every aspect of school life – from safeguarding and behaviour to curriculum, culture and community relationships”, the trust said.

And the work has now been rewarded, with a fresh inspection recognising the scale and success of the work.

Inspectors have recognised a transformation at the Frome school

Inspectors, who said the school had achieved the ‘expected standard’ under the new framework, said: “Pupils prosper in this calm and inclusive school. Staff know pupils and their families well. They build positive relationships based on trust. Staff identify any barriers pupils face and use their expertise to provide the right support.

“This ensures that pupils across the school, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, are able to succeed.”

The report also recognised the Feltham Road school’s deep commitment to understanding and supporting each child as an individual, and went on: “Inclusion is a golden thread that runs throughout this school. Leaders know each pupil as a unique individual. They have a detailed understanding of the support pupils need to fulfil their potential. This helps pupils to develop confidence and self-belief.”

Other comments included praise of how “pupils have positive attitudes to learning and the school is calm and orderly”, while staff “benefit from significant training and development for managing pupils’ behaviour”.

“The consistent approach to behaviour and wide range of pastoral support has made a considerable improvement to the behaviour and attitudes of many pupils,” it said.

Responding to the report, Joe Beament, executive headteacher at Christ Church First School, said: “We are incredibly proud of this report, which truly reflects the values and culture of Christ Church.

“Our staff work tirelessly to build trusting relationships with pupils and families, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and able to succeed. Inclusion is central to everything we do, and it is wonderful to see this recognised so clearly.”

And Nikki Edwards, chief executive officer of BWMAT, added: “This is a highly positive report and a testament to the strength of leadership, teamwork and commitment at Christ Church First School.

“Inspectors have recognised the school’s calm, inclusive environment and the excellent support provided for pupils with additional needs and those facing disadvantage.

“We are extremely proud of the staff and pupils, and of the way the school lives out our shared values of care, equity and ambition for every child.”