OFSTED Inspection

Following our inspection in April 2026, our OFSTED report highlights some of our many strengths.

“Pupils arrive each morning eager for the day ahead and excited to find out what they will be learning. They are pleased to see their friends and the staff, who warmly welcome them to this nurturing, happy and safe place. The school's value of 'Let your light shine' is the hallmark of everyday routines, which ensures that all pupils feel valued and included.”

 

• “Pastoral support is effective and helps all pupils to have a palpable sense of belonging.”
• “Pupils focus intently in lessons because they are inspired by learning. They also behave well at social times… Pupils’ enjoyment of school is evident in their high attendance.”
• “The school offers a wealth of opportunities for pupils to enrich their learning. Pupils clearly want to be in school and not miss out on learning, being with friends or the additional activities they can take part in.”
• “Pupils behave well and live up to the school's high expectations for their conduct and attitudes. They embody the school rules and are ‘kind and responsible’ towards others.”
• “Relationships between staff and pupils are underpinned by mutual respect and care. Incidents of bullying or discrimination are very rare and pupils are confident to ‘call out’ this type of behaviour if they see it.”
• “Leaders ensure that pupils access a rich and varied range of opportunities and experiences.”
• “Attendance is above national averages for all groups and persistent absence is consistently low.”
• “Pupils’ enjoyment of school is evident in their high attendance.”

You can view our report below or by using this link to the OFSTED website.

SIAMS Inspection

We are also inspected under the Statutory Inspection for Anglican and Methodist Schools framework (SIAMS).   We were inspected in June 2026. The report is shown below.

The inspection recognises and celebrates the many strengths of Deddington Church of England Primary School and confirms that:

"Deddington Church of England Primary School is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish."

We are particularly pleased that the report highlights the significant impact of our Christian vision, "Let Your Light Shine – Inspire, Believe, Achieve." The inspector found that our vision is not simply a statement on the wall but is deeply embedded throughout school life.

The report states:

"The well-established vision, 'Let your light shine', is clearly articulated and embedded. It is lived out across this welcoming school."

It goes on to say that the vision:

"Shapes a nurturing and responsive culture where pupils and adults are known, valued and flourish."

As a school community, we are proud that the inspection recognised how our vision influences decision-making, curriculum design, pastoral support and the relationships that exist between pupils, staff, governors, families and the wider community.

The report highlights a number of notable strengths, including:

• Our nurturing and compassionate Christian ethos, which enables all pupils, including those with SEND and vulnerable pupils, to flourish.
• The high quality of collective worship, which is described as inspiring, welcoming and central to daily life.  
• An ambitious and well-led Religious Education curriculum that develops pupils' understanding of Christianity and other world views.
• A curriculum that nurtures pupils' talents, raises aspirations and helps them succeed.
• A culture of trust, respect and wellbeing that supports both pupils and staff
• We were especially pleased that the inspector recognised the positive relationships across our school and the way these help children develop confidence and self-belief. The report notes that:

"Staff model the vision through positive relationships and high expectations, enabling pupils to develop resilience and self-belief."  

The inspection also celebrates the wide range of opportunities available to children, including extracurricular activities, outdoor learning, leadership roles and contributions to village life, all of which help children discover and develop their unique gifts and talents.

Our collective worship received particularly strong praise. The report notes that:

"Collective worship is central to daily life."

and that:

"Pupil voice confirms that worship is interactive, enjoyable and inspiring."

The inspector also recognised the warm, caring culture that characterises Deddington, describing relationships as:

"Warm, calm and purposeful."

This positive culture is reflected in pupils' behaviour, friendships and sense of belonging within our school community.

We are incredibly proud of the recognition given to Deddington and of the way our children truly let their light shine through inspiring others, believing in themselves and one another, and achieving together.