Headteacher’s Welcome
Welcome to St Augustine’s CE (VA) Junior School — we’re really glad you’re here.
St Augustine’s is a happy, friendly school where children feel safe, cared for and excited about learning. There’s a real sense of warmth as soon as you walk through the doors, and inspectors summed it up perfectly when they described the school as “warm and welcoming.” Our children get on well with each other, and as Ofsted noted, they “learn and play well together.”
We work hard to make learning engaging, purposeful and enjoyable. Our curriculum is ambitious but child-friendly, with high expectations for everyone and the right support in place when it’s needed. Ofsted recognised that “leaders have designed an interesting and ambitious curriculum” and that staff are skilled at stepping in quickly so that “gaps in knowledge are filled and misconceptions addressed.” In simple terms: children are supported, challenged and helped to succeed.
Reading is a big deal here. We want children to love books, talk about what they read and feel confident sharing their ideas. Inspectors noticed this too, commenting that our approach helps pupils become “fluent and confident readers who understand what they have read.”
As a Church of England school, our Christian values aren’t something you just see on the walls — they’re part of everyday life. SIAMS described St Augustine’s as “a place of welcome and belonging,” with “a culture of wellbeing at the heart of the school.” Collective worship is an important and enjoyable part of the day, giving children time to pause, reflect and think about big ideas in a safe and supportive space. It was recognised as “inspiring and inclusive,” helping pupils grow in confidence and thoughtfulness.
We care deeply about children’s wellbeing and inclusion. Pupils know there are trusted adults they can talk to, and parents consistently tell us how supported they feel. Inspectors heard the same, noting that parents believe their children are “very well supported,” and pupils themselves are confident that adults deal with concerns “swiftly and fairly.”
We’re also really proud of the kind of young people our pupils become. They are polite, confident and keen to take responsibility — whether that’s as play leaders, school councillors, house captains or eco-warriors. SIAMS praised the way pupils are given “meaningful opportunities to tackle injustice and improve the lives of others,” helping them see how they can make a positive difference.
Choosing a school is a big decision, and we’d love to help you get a real feel for St Augustine’s. Please do come and visit — we’d be delighted to show you around, introduce you to our pupils and let you see our school in action.
⭐ Why choose St Augustine’s?
✔ It feels like a community
A “warm and welcoming” school where children feel safe, valued and part of something special.
✔ Children do well
High expectations, strong teaching and the right support help pupils “achieve well.”
✔ Reading really matters
Children become “fluent and confident readers who understand what they have read.”
✔ Learning goes beyond lessons
There is “plenty for pupils to do beyond the classroom” — including forest school, trips, residentials, clubs and sport.
✔ Values you can see every day
A school where the Christian vision is “deeply embedded” and wellbeing is “at the heart of the school.”
✔ Children are genuinely cared for
Parents say their children are “very well supported,” and pupils know adults will help when it matters.
Mr Sam Brunt