High praise for West Wycombe School progress as key areas graded ‘Expected standard’ by Ofsted

High praise for West Wycombe School progress as key areas graded ‘Expected standard’ by Ofsted

“Pupils are proud to be part of this inclusive school, where all are treated with kindness. There is a calm and kind atmosphere here. Staff know pupils well and foster a culture of mutual respect and care.” This is one of the key findings of the latest Ofsted inspection report for West Wycombe School, part of Great Learners Trust, following a visit from His Majesty’s Inspectors in February 2025, and the first since June 2023.

West Wycombe School has been graded ‘Expected standard’ in six areas: Achievement, Curriculum and teaching, Early years, Inclusion, Leadership and governance, and Personal development and wellbeing. ‘Expected standard’ means that “the school is following the standard set out in statutory and non‑statutory legislation and the professional standards expected of them”. Inspectors also said that safeguarding standards are met, meaning that “the school has an open and positive culture of safeguarding. All legal requirements are met.”

In the 2023 and 2020 visits, under the previous Ofsted inspection framework, the school’s overall effectiveness was rated ‘Requires improvement’. This new report therefore evidences major progress for the school, which inspectors noted has “undergone significant change since the last inspection.”

Among the comments in the published report, which can be viewed here, are that:

• “Overall, pupils achieve well. They are ready for the next stage in their education. This is reflected in outcomes in the key stage 2 statutory tests that are close to or above the national average.”
• “The school has high expectations of each pupil, no matter what their need is. Leaders promote a school culture where diversity is celebrated and every pupil is valued.”
• “Leaders have put in place a suitably broad, ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum that builds pupils’ knowledge effectively over time. They know where it is working well and where further refinements are needed.”
• “Children have a positive start in the early years and are well prepared for Year 1.”
• “Leaders continue to make decisions in the best interests of all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, have special educational needs and/or disabilities, or face other barriers to learning and/or wellbeing. They ensure that these pupils receive the support they need to succeed.”
• “Leaders and staff help pupils to be confident and kind citizens who respect other people's differences.”

The report highlighted one area that ‘Needs attention’, which is where “expected standards are not met but leaders are likely able to make the necessary improvements”. This focuses very specifically on ensuring pupils’ attendance continues to rise to at least the national average for all groups. Positive action already taken by the school was noted during the inspection.

Sarah Baber, CEO of Great Learners Trust, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with the progress West Wycombe School has made, and this Ofsted report represents a significant milestone in its improvement journey, moving from ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Expected standard’ across almost all areas.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the ongoing development of West Wycombe School. The school has a strong foundation and clear strengths, and recent work on the Reading and Writing curriculums, in partnership with the Trust, has further enhanced curriculum provision and impact for pupils. The development of the Forest School site this year has also added significant enrichment to the curriculum, offering pupils opportunities to explore and learn in a natural environment, supporting curiosity, independence and resilience.

“The recent permanent appointments of Rachel Lee as Executive Headteacher, Gareth Ventin as Head of School, and other members of the school leadership team will build on what has already been achieved and importantly provide stability and strengthen the strategic direction of the school. Their collective vision and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the best possible outcomes for West Wycombe pupils.”

Rachel Lee, Executive Headteacher of West Wycombe School, said: “At West Wycombe, children have always been at the centre of everything we do. We believe that happy children learn best, and when children believe in themselves, amazing things can happen. We hold high aspirations for every child and are passionate about helping each one to flourish; academically, socially and emotionally. It is particularly gratifying to read the ‘What it's like to be a pupil at this school’ section of the Ofsted report.

“The inspectors comments directly state and substantiate that pupils are proud to be part of this inclusive school, where all are treated with kindness, and that there is a calm and kind atmosphere here. Staff form trusting relationships with pupils, as these are at the heart of the school, and foster a culture of mutual respect and care. Pupils feel safe and well cared for, have a secure sense of belonging, and leave school well prepared for the next stage of their education. The report also notes that pupils benefit from a wide range of trips and visits that are matched carefully to their learning and develop their sense of responsibility through the leadership skills roles the school offers.

“All in all, this report is testament to the hard work and dedication of West Wycombe staff in driving school improvement. We have a clear vision for the school, and its place within the community, and we continue to move forward.”

Gareth Ventin, Head of School, added: “I am incredibly proud of the caring, close-knit environment we have created together, where strong relationships between children, staff, families and the wider community truly matter. Everything we do is guided by our motto, ‘nurturing potential, inspiring minds, excellence for all’. This reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education while ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued within our friendly village school.”