At the end of February 2025, the school hosted two of His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) to carry out a scheduled inspection. These inspections generally occur every 5 years and judge how effectively the school is operating in key areas.

You will see in the report, published by Ofsted, that we achieved Good in all areas. This is a huge achievement for all stakeholders as we know that in recent years the school has faced a variety of challenges, hence why it had been deemed a high priority school for the Local Authority. This report is testimony to the hard work, determination and love that has been demonstrated by our whole school community.

Ofsted reports by nature have to follow strict protocols and restrictions on using technical vocabulary and emotive/opinion-based language. Therefore, Glen Golding, Executive Headteacher, captures both the extent of the achievement and the extremely positive outcomes for the staff and children:

“In addition to the content of the report I am thrilled to share these additional points which were conveyed to the Senior Leadership Team, Governors and Representatives from the Local Authority and Diocese.

• In 3 of the 5 areas the school was considered for an outstanding judgement and only missed out by a few minor issues.
• The Senior Leadership Team were complimented on how quickly they had evaluated and impacted on the quality of Teaching and Learning, pupil outcomes, behaviour, Curriculum and SEN provision.
• The children’s behaviour was exemplary; no low-level disruptive behaviour was witnessed and the children talked with confidence and personality with the Inspectors when they were spoken too.
• The school’s inclusive nature was complimented and demonstrated throughout the school, evidenced through adaptations to tasks and physical environments
• Governance was regarded as very strong, with a clear understanding of their statutory duties and clarity around the schools

Two of the most positive memories from the inspection for me were:

• The amazing support we felt from our parental body. The good luck emails, ‘wish you well’ cards, kind words on the gate and plates of food that got us through day one. Then on day two, the Inspection team read out anonymously some of the written responses that you had taken the time to share, this gave us both a tear in the eye and pride in our hearts, so a massive sincere thank you.
• The second memory I will always hold dear is the sheer number of staff from our other partner schools who arrived on site, after teaching all day, to support. Regardless of whether they made tea, reassured friends or helped with displays and resources, we knew we were not alone.

This inspection of course was never our end goal or final destination. The next step of our journey starts here. A step towards being the best school we can be for every child in Silchester, who are privileged to have Mrs Moir and her amazing team”.

The Synergy School Partnership would like to our parents, carers and families at Silchester C of E Primary School, for your unwavering support.