A SCHOOL near Radstock has reasons to be cheerful following a glowing report by education watchdogs.

St Mary’s Church of England School, in Writhlington, has been praised for its “inspirational leadership” and a “deeply supportive, caring culture” in a recent report.

The school’s Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) took place in February and the findings have now been published.

The one-day inspection focused on the school’s Christian vision and its impact on the whole school community. In particular, the SIAMS report highlighted the “supportive, caring culture which is inspired by the school’s vision”; the “effective leadership in religious education (RE) has established an engaging and relevant curriculum which enhances pupil’s learning”; and “the school’s partnership with the diocese is strong and has a powerful effect.”

The inspector also praised St Mary’s for its nurturing and supportive ethos and close partnerships between staff and parents, as well as visits from local clergy. 

The report also drew attention to enrichment initiatives, such as lunchtime yoga, forest school, leadership roles for older pupils, and Worship Warriors (students who plan and lead worship).

Cathie Lampert, headteacher, at St Mary’s said: “We are thrilled with the inspection findings from our recent SIAMS visit.

“We work hard to draw the school’s vision ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ into everything we do and it is wonderful to have this documented in the report. We’re particularly delighted that it has emphasised our supportive school community and engaging curriculum, which is something we are very proud of.”

St Mary’s Church of England School is supported by The Partnership Trust, a multi academy trust with schools in Bath and North East Somerset, and the wider county.

The SIAMS inspection commended the Trust for the way “it promotes very beneficial relationships between its Church Schools”.

Emily Massey, chief executive officer at The Partnership Trust, said: “This SIAMS report is a cause for celebration as it really does show what a caring, supportive and motivating school St Mary’s is. It is great news to see that its Christian values and vision have been recognised and praised by the inspection team.”

SIAMS inspections focus on the impact of a church school's Christian vision on pupils and adults.

SIAMS inspectors do not look for a set template of what a church school should be like, but rather take the particular context of the school into account and base their evaluation on the outcomes rather than the process.