Pitton Church of England Primary School is celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection conducted in March 2024, receiving a "Good" rating across all areas.
This comes after the school was converted into an academy school in 2021, becoming a member of Pickwick Academy Trust, a trust of 15 schools across Wiltshire and Dorset, including Salisbury, such as Greentrees Primary School and Longford CofE Primary School.
The school, previously known as Pitton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, had been told it “requires improvement” in their last inspection, before converting to an academy.
In this first inspection as an academy, Ofsted commended the relationships between staff and pupils, describing them as “strong” and “rooted in the school’s values of friendship, family and fulfilment.”
The report found that children feel safe and happy, with pupils referring to the school as a "family of friends” and understanding the importance of “respecting the opinions of others.”
The report added that subjects are carefully planned, with knowledge broken down into manageable steps that build upon each other over time. Teachers regularly assess student understanding to ensure they are ready for the next level of complexity.
The inspectors noted the school's ambitious curriculum and range of enrichment activities, with staff ensuring “there is an equality of opportunity for all to participate.”
Reading received particular praise, with the report noting the focus on reading development from the moment children enter Reception class, saying, “as soon as children start school, they are immersed in stories, rhymes and songs.”
Pupils also make regular visits to the school library and the library van to improve their reading as they progress through the school, with tailored support for those with special educational needs (SEND).
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Headteacher Emma Wilkinson said: “I am incredibly proud of everyone involved, teachers, staff, parents and governors. It takes a village to raise a child, it really does.
“It was quite amazing how quickly they could see our values as a church school and as a small school.
“It’s a complete privilege for all of us to be recognised for all the hard work that has gone in, the fact that they could recognise that the children are at the heart of it sums up our school really.”
The report also acknowledged the collaborative work of the school's staff, governors, and parents, who hold the school to account and make sure resources are “well managed.” The dedicated staff were described as having a supportive environment and opportunities for professional development.
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