St John’s Church of England Primary School in Clifton has been recognised for its exceptional strengths in its latest Ofsted inspection, receiving Outstanding judgements in four out of five categories.
The inspection in May of the 471-pupil school was the first under the updated framework, which no longer gives schools a single overall one-word judgement.
Instead, schools are now graded separately across key areas, providing a more detailed and balanced view of performance. St John’s was awarded Outstanding for Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision.
Although the judgement for Quality of Education has moved from Outstanding to Good, the report acknowledges the school’s strong progress and clear commitment to ongoing improvement.
It celebrates St John’s as “a place where children flourish both academically and personally,” highlighting the school’s “magical experience of reading” and “uncompromising drive to give pupils a high-quality education.”
Also among the many positive comments in the report were:
“Pupils are highly motivated and have positive attitudes to learning.”Pupils thrive and feel safe in this warm and inclusive school community.
“Leaders, together with dedicated governors and the staff team, share a clear and ambitious vision.
“Pupils are exceptionally respectful of each other across the school.
“Equality and inclusion are golden threads that run through the school.
Headteacher Justin Hoye said, “We are thrilled that our focus on children’s personal development, attitudes and happiness comes through so strongly in the report. We wholeheartedly believe that this is at the heart of primary education and setting children up for the future.”
“Recognising that St John’s is a place where ‘pupils thrive’ is extremely important to us.
“The outstanding feedback from our families, with 100% of parents and carers saying they would recommend St John’s is a testament to the trust and confidence they place in our school every day.”
Inspectors also praised the school’s proactive approach, noting that staff had already identified and begun work on areas for development before the visit.
The school extended its thanks to all staff, governors, families, and pupils for their ongoing commitment and support.
The full Ofsted report is available on the school website.
For more information, please contact: office@stjohnsprimary.org.uk.