Staff and pupils at Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery are celebrating the outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection, which saw the school achieve ‘strong standard’ and ‘expected standard’ across the board.
Under the new, more rigorous Ofsted inspection framework, Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery achieved ‘strong standard’ in early years, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing.
The inspection report praised the school’s Early Years provision, noting that “leaders ensure that every child gets off to a flying start in their early education”, and recognising the “highly welcoming culture, where all pupils thrive and feel a sense of belonging.” Inspectors also highlighted that “pupils benefit from an exciting and ambitious variety of enrichment activities.”
The school achieved ‘expected standard’ in attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance. This is a high standard defined by Ofsted as the school doing everything that it should be doing, where children are receiving everything they need and deserve.
The report recognised that “trusting relationships between staff and pupils mean that pupils feel safe and supported.” The school also met all safeguarding responsibilities.
‘The Wenlock Way’
The report highlighted that the school has “strengthened considerably over recent years”. Executive Headteacher Rachel Howell-James said:
“I am incredibly proud to be the headteacher of our wonderful school. Over the past two years, we have been on a real journey of improvement, and it means a great deal to see the hard work and dedication of our staff, children and wider community recognised.
“What matters most to me is that this reflects who we are and what we stand for. This is the ‘Wenlock Way’. Everything we do centres around our children. We are committed to unlocking potential and empowering every child to thrive, and that comes through an ambitious, carefully designed curriculum, rich opportunities beyond the classroom, a strong focus on oracy and pupil voice, and creating a culture where every child feels a genuine sense of belonging and is fully included, supported and able to succeed.”
Rachel, who is also Executive Headteacher at John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery in Broseley, added: “What shines through so clearly is that our children feel heard, that they know they matter, and that they have actively shaped what we have created here. We work hard to ensure every child is known as an individual and that barriers are recognised and removed so that all children can access the same opportunities.
“This has taken enormous thought, care and hard work to build something truly special for our young people – from giving children the very best start in the early years, to improving outcomes year on year, to providing enrichment and experiences that help every child discover their strengths.
We are proud of our heritage, proud of our community and excited for the future. There is something really special here – a real sense of belonging, a shared belief in our children and, I would say, a little bit of Wenlock magic.”
Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery has been part of The 3-18 Education Trust’s community of Shropshire schools since 2023.
David O’Toole, CEO at The 3-18 Education Trust, said: “This is a wonderful outcome and one that everyone connected with the school should be enormously proud of. In a remarkably short space of time, Rachel and her team have brought together pupils, staff, governors, families and the wider community to create something genuinely special.
“The school is in strong, capable hands, and that is evident in everything you see when you walk through the doors: the warmth of the relationships, the ambition for every child, and the quiet confidence of a community that knows where it is going.
“I am proud of everything that is being achieved by the staff and children every single day, and I look forward with real confidence to seeing Much Wenlock Primary School continue to thrive.”
About Much Wenlock Primary School and Nursery
Situated in the historic and charming town of Much Wenlock, the school’s extensive grounds provide excellent facilities including a large sports field, woodland and a ‘secret garden’ for forest school activities. Much Wenlock Primary School is also home to a thriving on-site nursery.
The school’s vision is simple but powerful – Unlocking Potential: Empowering Every Child to Thrive. The school is dedicated to fostering happiness, resilience and a love for learning in every child. By working hand in hand with our community, the school sets high expectations and strive for academic excellence, unlocking each child’s unique potential and creating a nurturing, equitable environment where all students can flourish.
For more information, see the school website at https://muchwenlockprimary.com/.
Notes for editors
The 3-18 Education Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) of primary and secondary schools across Shropshire, with a community of over 5,000 students.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
