A primary school has been praised for its high standards of education and exemplary behaviour following a recent Ofsted inspection.
The report highlighted Thornford CE Primary School’s warm and supportive environment, where pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed. The inspection team noted the school’s “exceptional” efforts in teaching character education, fostering resilience, curiosity, and confidence in students.
In particular, the school in Sherborne showed commitment to personal development, and promoting excellent behaviour and attitudes were both graded as “outstanding,” with pupils demonstrating impeccable behaviour both in the classroom and during social times. The school’s ethos of kindness, encapsulated in the golden thread of “treat others as you would like to be treated,” is clearly embedded in daily life at Thornford Primary, creating a culture of respect and inclusion.
The inspection also praised the school’s high expectations for pupils’ academic success. Pupils are achieving well in key areas such as phonics in Year 1 and mathematics in Year 6, with outcomes regularly exceeding national averages. The school’s work on literacy, particularly its emphasis on reading and vocabulary development, was another key strength noted by the inspectors.
Thornford Primary School’s broad and balanced curriculum was also commended, with an extensive range of extracurricular activities that enhance the planned curriculum, including sports, music, outdoor education, and residential trips. These activities not only support academic learning but also broaden pupils’ cultural awareness and foster a strong sense of community.
The school’s dedication to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was also recognised, with quick identification and tailored support provided to help all pupils thrive. Furthermore, the school places a strong emphasis on high attendance and works closely with families to ensure pupils meet the school’s expectations in this area.
Head of School Kirsty Blencowe expressed her pride in the school’s achievements, saying, “We are delighted with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection. The results reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and the entire school community. Special mention should also go to previous Headteacher Neela Brooking,(who retired in July), who had ensured that the culture of the school was a positive and inclusive one. We remain committed to providing an inclusive, high-quality education that supports the academic and personal growth of all our pupils.”
The school’s leadership, including the local academy committee and the trust, was acknowledged for their strong oversight and commitment to staff well-being, further contributing to a positive and nurturing environment for both pupils and staff.