“Pupils are proud to belong”: Farmborough Church Primary receives warm inspection praise

Pupils at Farmborough Church Primary School near Bath are enabled to “flourish as they explore their potential” and “grow and develop into the best version of themselves” according to a recent inspection report.

The school’s Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) took place last month (September) with the conclusion that:

“Farmborough Church Primary School is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.”

The one-day inspection focused on the school’s Christian vision of Working Together, Valuing Everyone, Learning for Life. SIAMS inspections take place across all Anglican and Methodist schools in the UK. Each school is visited approximately every five years and evaluated on how its Christian ethos shapes its work and enables pupils and adults to thrive.

Farmborough’s report highlighted:

• “Pupils are proud to belong to their school” and “… are inspired to make a difference to the lives of others.”
•  “… pupils, their families and staff thrive, knowing they are valued and supported.”
• “Parents know that their child is valued for who they are and treated as a unique individual.”

The supportive school community was also recognised, with the SIAMS inspector noting that:

“Compelled by the vision, ‘valuing everyone’, leaders prioritise wellbeing and positive mental health. [Staff] are happy, fulfilled and proud to work at Farmborough.”

Enrichment initiatives such as ‘magic moments’ and ‘capturing the moment’ carried throughout the school day were also highlighted. The report commented:

“…leaders intentionally enrich the curriculum to broaden pupils’ horizons. This has a significant impact on pupils’ learning experience, increasing resilience and bringing personal fulfilment.”

Darren Roberts, Headteacher at Farmborough Church Primary School, said:

“What makes me particularly proud about this report is its recognition of the school community we have built together: our wonderful children, dedicated staff, supportive governors, families, church, volunteers and wider community. I would particularly like to thank our children. As always, they represented the school wonderfully and are the very best reflection of what Farmborough is all about.”

Farmborough is a member of The Partnership Trust, a Multi Academy Trust of 17 schools in B&NES and Somerset. The SIAMS inspection commended the Trust:

“The school benefits from their relationship with The Partnership Trust (TPT). Their oversight enhances strategic planning and provides leadership support… Staff also benefit from confidential, comprehensive support provided by the trust.”

Emily Massey, Chief Executive Officer at The Partnership Trust said:

“This report is a wonderful affirmation of the caring, inclusive and ambitious culture that exists at Farmborough. It also demonstrates the positive impact of the close partnership between the school and The Partnership Trust. We are proud to support Farmborough and delighted to see its work recognised so warmly by the inspector.”