Please find below our most recent Ofsted report, relevant information from the Department for Education Performance Tables and our most recent SIAS report. 

We are delighted to inform you that our recent OFSTED inspection, which took place on the 8th and 9th of October 2024, has resulted in St Bartholomew's C of E School achieving a 'good' grade in all five areas.

Inspectors worked productively with us and we can confirm that views from the school’s leadership, the Local Authority and the Inspectors aligned. This is a fantastic outcome and we are extremely pleased, as it reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community.

As you are aware, our last inspection took place in 2012. Since then, the inspection framework has changed. The new framework has increased expectations and is less focused on data as it brings the curriculum back to the centre of the inspection. Our results continue to be strong and remain in line or above national averages. Over the past 12 years, the leadership and staffing of our school has changed, our curriculum has continued to adapt with the latest curriculum research and teaching methods. St Bartholomew’s continues to be a great school that strives for success.

The inspector's report highlighted many key strengths of our school. They noted that "Pupils are happy to be here" and that "Staff take good care of them." This is a testament to the warm and welcoming ethos we strive to maintain at St Bartholomew's. The inspector also recognised our efforts to raise the profile of reading, commenting that, "pupils become enthusiastic and fluent readers." Furthermore, they acknowledged the positive relationships the children have with one another, stating that "The kindness they show each other reflects the behaviour staff model for them."

The inspector was particularly impressed with the school's focus on your children's PHSE, mental health and wellbeing. They noted that "aspects of the school's work to promote pupils' personal development are very strong. Pupils have opportunities to be reflective and thoughtful. The personal, social and health education programme allows them to discuss important issues about relationships and their safety in an age-appropriate way." 

The excellent support given to our children with special educational needs was recognised by the inspector. They noted that staff recognise the needs of children and adapt learning to include them noting our inclusive ethos and as a result "all pupils are helped to participate equally in all learning activities".

While we are delighted with this outcome, we continue to evaluate and improve our educational offer. The inspector recognised that we achieve a good level of 'greater depth' in reading, writing, and mathematics and would like to see this mirrored across the curriculum.

Additionally, the inspector observed that our children would benefit from more cultural experiences to prepare them for the wider world. The whole-school trip to Bhaktivedana Manor, the Hare Krishna Temple, is just one of the many opportunities we will continue to provide for the school community.

We are incredibly proud of the work we do at St Bartholomew's and the progress we have made since our last OFSTED inspection. Our vision and the dedication of our staff are reflected in the positive outcomes for your children, which the inspector clearly recognised. We look forward to continuing our journey and providing your children with the best possible education and care.

Please join us in celebrating this fantastic achievement. St Bartholomew’s is a great school, we are proud to work here and have the privilege of educating your children.

Kind regards,

Mrs Mowbray & Mrs Wall   Mrs Carlisle & Mrs Arthur

Mrs Mowbray & Mrs Wall          Mrs Carlisle & Mrs Arthur

Co-Headteachers                          Co-Chairs of Governors

A link to academic results 2023

https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/117463/st-bartholomew's-church-of-england-voluntary-aided-primary-school%2c-wigginton/primary 

The government will not publish KS2 school level data for the 2021 to 2022 academic year. They have archived data from the 2018 to 2019 academic year because they recognise that the data from that year may no longer reflect current performance.

We had our SIAMs inspection in February 2018.

I have picked out some of the key points that I believe are worth highlighting to make sure that everyone reads them….

‘There is a very strong partnership between parents and school, and parents are very aware of the school’s values and expectations.’

‘The headteacher models Christian values in her strong leadership.  This has led the whole school community to strive to make this school the best church school possible, serving the community with respect.’

‘A caring community exists at all levels.  The headteacher cares about every child and family in the school.’

‘Behaviour throughout the school is excellent showing respect at all levels…Pupils know they will be listened to and feel able to say how they feel.  Small acts of kindness occur every day and are common place…The mixed age classes have helped the school develop a strong culture of children looking after each other.  There is a very inclusive atmosphere and when small issues arise, they are resolved quickly so no-one feels left out.’

‘The Headteacher and governors ensure a fully inclusive approach where every individual is valued regardless of their point of entry into school.  Within a Christian context individual pupil achievements across the school are highly valued.’

‘The school’s relationship with the local church is very strong.  The vicar leads worship weekly with zeal.  He plays a key part in linking worship to the school’s Christian values and how these can influence the daily lives of pupils.’

What next?

The inspector has given us two points to work on...

-Governors should evaluate the school as a church school so that the extent of the impact of the school’s vision can be understood clearly to inform future planning.

Currently I work with Jonathan as a governor to evaluate the school as a Church school.  This term governors have started to evaluate the impact of the school’s vision through taking part in pupil led tours focussing on an element of the school’s vision statement.  We will continue to develop this work so that the whole governing body is fully involved in evaluating the school as a Church school.

-Develop questioning and recording in religious education in order to achieve a greater proportion of pupils attaining the highest levels.

This year we have implemented a new R.E. curriculum and are developing the assessment system to go alongside this.  The proportion of children reaching the highest levels of attainment in R.E. will increase as they work through the increased demands of this curriculum and as the new assessment system is fully implemented.

The area that we have worked on this year – our collective worship – remains outstanding and I am delighted that the work of the church council has been recognised in this area.  The current overall judgement is good which reflects that the school is currently implementing a new curriculum and assessment system.  These areas will be developed over the next few years under the incredibly strong leadership of Mrs Mowbray.

I am very proud to lead our school and believe that the report highlights how the church, the staff, the parents and the governors all work together to ‘strive to make this the best church school possible.’  I believe that when you read the report you will read the description of a school that you are glad that your child attends, one that values each child and one that has Christian values at its heart.