The Corinium Education Trust has invested in Chesterton Primary School’s improvement journey and has provided both support and challenge through the global pandemic and significant staff changes.

Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), and Trustees are impressed with the positive tone of the school’s Ofsted Report which was received by the school on Wednesday 8 March and shared with its community on Thursday 9 March 2023. It reflects the Trust’s evaluation of the school.

‘It is an absolute joy to see the school’s pupils being commended so highly on their behaviour. They are keen and ready to learn and, with continued support from staff, they should be able to meet and exceed our expectations.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO).

Since joining The Corinium Education Trust and Chesterton Primary School, Headteacher, Libby Pringle, has definitely put pupils, their learning and safety first:

‘I am proud that the inspection report reflects the hard work and dedication of the team and recognises the journey of improvement the school has been on. I am delighted that the pupils of Chesterton have shown themselves to be polite, friendly and well mannered. They have responded positively to new opportunities and the increased responsibilities they have been given.’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher.

Libby Pringle has taken care to build on the foundations set out in the school’s core curriculum to ensure that pupils know, understand and can do more. She is working closely with Kerry Buckland, Deputy Head, to develop staff expertise. She has expanded the team and distributed leadership:

‘Teachers speak highly of the school’s leadership. They value the coaching and training they receive to improve their practice.’ Ofsted, February 2023.

Leaders are committed to identifying the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn in all subjects and deepening it. They have a clear strategy in place which will also ensure pupils’ personal development is strengthened further and that they have the cultural capital to help them make connections and succeed in their lives beyond Chesterton Primary School.

The inspection team also acknowledged the school’s other strengths including the choice of ‘high quality books to develop pupils’ vocabulary and understanding of important issues’ and the provision in the nursery and Communication and Interaction Centre:

‘Leaders pay close attention to pupils’ communication and language… staff immerse children in stories and rhymes. Children enjoy retelling stories using words and actions.’ Ofsted, February 2023.

It is also encouraging to note the care and support given to pupils with special educational needs:

‘The school is a positive environment for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff identify their needs early and accurately. Teachers adapt the curriculum appropriately to meet pupils’ needs.’ Ofsted, February 2023.

The Corinium Education Trust is grateful to all staff and members of Chesterton Primary School’s local governing body who have contributed to the school’s improvement journey.

‘We are especially pleased the report recognises our collective ambition for the school and the steps that have been taken together to bring about sustainable improvement.  We know there is more to do and we are confident that Libby Pringle, Headteacher, and her team, with the support of our School Improvement Lead, Rachael Scott, will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all pupils at the school are well prepared for the next stage in their learning and life in modern Britain.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO).

‘I am delighted that the inspection team acknowledged the very good work that is taking place at Chesterton. The headteacher and staff have worked incredibly hard to get the school to where it is today. It is also pleasing to have on record the good behaviour of pupils and the support we are receiving from parents. Together we are now in a very strong position to move the school forward and improve outcomes for all pupils.’ Anne Stokes, Chair of Chesterton Primary School’s local governing body.

‘This report enables us to continue our journey with the same determination and unrelenting focus on improving outcomes for our pupils and supporting our community with excellent pastoral care. I would like to thank staff, parents, pupils, governors and The Corinium Education Trust for their ongoing support for the school.’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher.

On Monday 27 February 2023, Cirencester Deer Park School’s Headteacher, Richard Clutterbuck, proudly shared the report he received from Ofsted following the school’s inspection on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 January 2023.

‘This evaluation from Ofsted reflects the hard work of our pupils, staff, governors and families to make Deer Park a place where young people, in fact everyone, can be the best they can be every day.’ Richard Clutterbuck, Headteacher.

Although the inspection was ungraded, it confirms the Deer Park is still a good school. The opening statement resonates powerfully across the school’s community and is one we recognise:

‘The values of ‘trust, kindness and determination’ pervade this school.’ Ofsted, January 2023.

The report highly commends the leadership of the school, captures the essence of the school’s ethos and applauds the positive relationships within the school’s community. Furthermore, it acknowledges the quality and breadth of the school’s curriculum, the commitment of staff and the strength of teaching.

‘When designing the curriculum, leaders have carefully considered the important knowledge and skills pupils should learn. This includes important knowledge from each subject and how best to teach it. For instance, in history, pupils learn about important historical concepts and how to use information from historical sources. Across the curriculum, teaching is ambitious about the subject-specific vocabulary that pupils should learn and use.’ Ofsted, January 2023.

Richard Clutterbuck, his team and local governing body are not complacent. They share our ambition for all pupils and will continue with their relentless focus on ensuring the curriculum meets the needs of all pupils and their pursuit of excellence:

‘We know that we still have plenty of work to do to take Deer Park even further. Reassuringly, the areas identified by Ofsted, are already within our development plan. This is helping us drive the school forward so that every member of our school community is safe, happy and successful.’ Richard Clutterbuck, Headteacher.

Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO) works closely with Richard Clutterbuck and The Corinium Education Trust’s other headteachers. She knows the school exceptionally well and is confident that it, and all within it, will continue thrive.

‘The Trustees and I are delighted to congratulate Cirencester Deer Park School and all members of its learning community on this highly commendable Ofsted report. I am especially pleased to see that the school’s positive ethos has been recognised alongside the hard work and dedication of its pupils, staff and leaders.’  Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO).

The opportunity to participate in World Book Day early in March is never missed. It is an occasion that definitely releases everyone’s creativity and, without a doubt leads to lots of good fun being had by all. The Corinium Education Trust is working collaboratively with a wider group of schools to deliver a ‘Year of Reading’ in 2023.

Primary schools within The Corinium Education Trust took part in World Book Day this year, and, while some adjustments were made to the dates on which the event was held, no one missed out.

Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, of Kemble Primary School, reflected, ‘World Book Day is always an exciting event. This year was no exception with children coming to school dressed as their favourite character. Staff joined in the fun too by dressing as Mr Men characters!’

During the morning, the children gave each other clues as to who they were and shared what they liked about their character’s story in assembly. In the afternoon, classes combined for ‘buddy reading’ and children chose a new book to take home from those donated in our book swap event.

The highlight of the day was the relaunch of the school’s library. The books have been reorganised and the library made more accessible. Emma Morrogh-Ryan and her team hope that pupils and parents will enjoy regular visits to read and share books both new and old.

In contrast, World Book Day at Chesterton Primary School was inspired by ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’. As a result, the school was awash with colour as each class was asked to dress as a different colour from the crayon box.

Pupils enjoyed the assembly where the book was shared, and they learnt about why each crayon had decided they just could not go on anymore! The teaching staff fully embraced getting into character, especially orange and yellow crayon! Surprisingly enough there were no volunteers to play the part of peach!

Back in classrooms, pupils completed activities based upon the book. These included quotes from the crayons, pictograms about favourite colours, and even a persuasive letter to a set of chairs who had also decided to quit!

Libby Pringle, Headteacher, reflected, ‘It was fantastic to see the whole school come together and engage in such an amusing and thought-provoking book. We plan to display work and photos in the library to celebrate a wonderful day.’

At Siddington C of E Primary School, World Book Day celebrations included many exciting activities.

Sian Tranter, English Lead, explains: ‘Firstly, we gave each child a potato to transform into their favourite book character. These were then brought into school for our display bookshelf. Our potato characters have been a huge hit with adults, children and parents alike. We are very proud of the efforts made by all to produce our book characters. We hope the potatoes last a little longer…’

Teachers all shared a favourite picture book with each class on rotation too.  The children enjoyed 4 ten-minute stories throughout the day. Additionally, Siddington C of E Primary School had an author visit: Ella Evalds, who wrote 'Granny Magic', shared her passion for writing with the children.

The Open The Book team also joined in making Mrs Tiggy-Winkle from Beatrix Potter and Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe come to life.

‘I loved painting the potato and turning it into Papa Smurf. I like all our potatoes.’ Connor, Year 3.

‘I liked World Book Day because we got to decorate our potatoes. I made Elmer elephant.’ Emily, Reception.

On Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 March, Librarians Mrs Bond and Mrs Burton at Cirencester Deer Park School ran sponsored reading events, Readathons, on behalf of local charity Read for Good, who provide books and storytellers to children in hospitals across the country. Year 7 were introduced to the concept with 2 hours of midweek reading, whilst pupils in Years 8-10 spent the whole day (apart from break and lunchtime) immersed in their books. It is great to see the variety of books the pupils read. Read more...

Mrs Bond and Mrs Burton said: "We were thrilled that so many pupils wanted to take part in this year's Readathon. They will have raised a lot of money for a really good cause. Thank you all."