High expectations for Cordwalles Junior School children

Pupils at a Surrey school experience a safe and nurturing environment while learning the importance of treating everyone fairly as they work hard and take pride in their achievements, according to Ofsted.

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“Leaders ensure that the school values of ‘respect, endeavour and success’ are at the heart of everything they do. Staff are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special needs,” says the report following an inspection of Cordwalles Junior School, Camberley, in July.

“Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. As a result, pupils conduct themselves and rise to this challenge. As they grow in this safe and nurturing environment, pupils develop confidence and self-esteem,” said lead inspector Alan Derry.

A member of the multi-academy trust GLF Schools, Cordwalles has pupils aged between seven and 11, with 211 on the roll, and the inspection was the first since the pandemic started.

The school retains its rating of ‘Good’ and has an ambitious curriculum, including for those with special educational needs, while leaders ensure learning is well-sequenced so children build their knowledge and understanding.

“We were delighted to see the continuing hard work of staff, pupils and their families was reflected in the report,” said executive headteacher Claire-Louise West.

“Everyone associated with Cordwalles Junior School is committed to ensuring our pupils have the best learning experiences while they are with us. We are proud that our pupils are seen as polite and courteous as well as engaged and enthusiastic in their learning,” she added.

The report highlighted the ‘relish’ of pupils to enrich their learning outside in an area they helped develop. It also says they benefit from a ‘broad range of clubs’ helping to foster interest and talent in everything from computing to music.

“They have the opportunity to learn from visitors and take part in activities to celebrate different cultures, faiths, professions and abilities. For example, pupils raised considerable funds for charity while circuit training with a Paralympian,” says the report.

School leaders have also carefully considered the development of the wider curriculum to ensure pupils benefit from a rich range of experiences which also help encourage them to take pride in themselves and the school.

Pupils are successfully encouraged to read regularly and consequently, they become ‘keen and enthusiastic’ readers. There is also a high priority on developing comprehension skills for pupils and teachers check skills carefully and are clear about the needs of the children.