A Wiltshire primary school has received a positive rating in its first Ofsted inspection since being converted to an academy. 

Sutton Benger Church of England Primary School, between Chippenham and the M4, was rated ‘Good’ by inspectors during an assessment in November. 

The 172-pupil school, a member of the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, had not been inspected since it was converted into an academy in 2019. 

Its predecessor school had been deemed to require improvement in a report published earlier that year. 

Headteacher Becca Hine believes the school’s latest score reflects the “rapid” improvement the school has made in recent years. 

She said: “I am so pleased the inspectors were able to recognise the hard work, dedication, innovation and positive culture within the school that has supported our rapid improvement journey. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff. They work incredibly hard every day, but they really went above and beyond throughout the inspection.  

“There is so much for us to celebrate, and we will certainly be taking some time to reflect on the successes that have been identified in our report.” 

The school was assessed in five key categories, including the quality of education provided, the behaviour and attitudes on display, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. 

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Pupils and staffPupils and staff (Image: Sutton Benger CE Primary School)

Inspectors judged the school to be ‘Good’ in all five of these categories. 

They added that the school has a “warm, inclusive ethos” and that staff have created an atmosphere where pupils feel valued and listened to. 

The school’s curriculum was also described as “ambitious”, while the safeguarding arrangements in place were judged to be effective. 

During their inspection, assessors carried out deep dives into subjects including reading, maths and geography, as well as meeting with staff, taking on board parent feedback, and observing pupils. 

The report added that staff should make improvements to the way that pupil progress is assessed, in order to inform future planning. 

Mrs Hine recognised that the school still has room for improvement, despite the positive outcome. 

She added: “I am exceptionally proud of the progress that has been made, but we are not a team that is complacent.  

“Our children deserve the very best educational experience, and we will continue to strive forwards to ensure they receive this.”