Ogbourne Primary School in Wiltshire receives Ofsted rating

The small village primary school near Marlborough received its last full inspection in 2009 under the name Ogbourne St George and St Andrew Primary, and a lot has changed since then.

The school, which caters to 86 pupils aged four to 11, joined Excalibur Academy in April 2015 and the role of headteacher was taken on by Lucy Crump in 2022.

Despite the huge shift in management since their last inspection, Ms Crump says she could not be more proud of what her staff and pupils have achieved.

Ofsted inspectors visited Ogbourne Primary in November 2023 and described it as “a harmonious school, where pupils embody the values of friendship, integrity, respect and effort.”

Inspectors noted that pupils look forward to coming to school (Image: Excalibur Academy Trust)

“There are high expectations for all pupils to achieve their best, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Trust and school leaders have made rapid improvements to the school’s curriculum,” the report reads.

“Leadership opportunities encourage pupils to play an active role in school life. For example, Year 5 buddies are partnered with children in Reception.

“School leaders aim to create learners who can ‘change the world for the better’ and they empower pupils to make decisions.”

The school is determined to promote a love of reading. (Image: Excalibur Academy Trust)

Bullying is also reportedly rare at the school and one pupil told lead inspector Faye Heming, “We need to be kind as we don’t always know what someone is going through.”

But despite a glowing review which emphasised the school’s focus on reading and literacy, inspectors said that to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating the teachers need more guidance in delivering the maths curriculum effectively.

“Sometimes, teachers do not select the most appropriate methods to teach new subject content,” said inspectors.

Headteacher Lucy Crump could not be more proud of what her school has achieved. (Image: Excalibur Academy Trust)

“I am extremely proud of our school community, the strengths of which have been so eloquently highlighted in this report,” said Lucy Crump, Headteacher at Ogbourne CofE Primary School.

“Our intent is to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment with the children at the centre of all that we do. I can confidently say that we have achieved this recognition, thanks to each and every individual.”

Nicky Edmondson, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust added: “We are incredibly proud of Ogbourne and its collective hard work which has resulted in such an impressive report.

“It also highlights the importance of being part of our Trust, with our skilled central team and plenty of networking opportunities across the schools.”