Tilstock children shine as Ofsted praises strong wellbeing, inclusion and achievement
Staff, pupils, and parents at Tilstock CE Primary School and Nursery are celebrating following a highly successful evaluation under the rigorous new ‘School Report Card’ inspection framework.
The Whitchurch-based primary school achieved a resounding endorsement from inspectors, who awarded the school a ‘Strong Standard’ for Personal Development and Wellbeing. In a glowing report, leadership was highly praised for placing an unwavering commitment to inclusion squarely at the heart of the school's daily work.
According to the inspectors, the school's core philosophy of ‘Achievement Through Caring’ is deeply embedded across all aspects of school life. The report describes a calm, orderly, and purposeful learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and genuinely proud to be part of a welcoming community.
A Curriculum for Character and Confidence
Inspectors highlighted Tilstock's "comprehensive and thoughtfully sequenced personal development programme" as a major strength. Pupils actively benefit from a rich tapestry of experiences—ranging from educational visits and extracurricular clubs to specialized guest speakers.
The report also gave special mention to the school’s vibrant youth leadership opportunities. Pupils take immense pride in fulfilling roles such as house captains, playleaders, school journalists and safety guardians
These roles, the report noted, effectively foster confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of community contribution, preparing youngsters thoroughly for life beyond the primary gates.
Academic standards also received praise, with inspectors noting a broad and ambitious curriculum that builds solid foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics. Crucially, academic outcomes are on an upward trajectory; results in the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check have notably risen to sit well above the national average.
Nurturing the Youngest Learners
The school’s Early Years provision was commended for providing a beautifully calm and nurturing environment. Inspectors observed that the youngest children settle quickly, build early independence, and establish secure foundations for future learning, aided by a structured approach to phonics and exceptionally strong staff-pupil relationships.
A defining theme of the evaluation was the school’s success with vulnerable learners. The report lauded staff for understanding pupils as individuals, meaning barriers to learning for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged backgrounds are dismantled quickly. As a result, children achieve well from their varying starting points.
Leadership Reflections
Reacting to the fantastic news, Executive Headteacher Rowena Kaminski expressed her delight:
"For me, achievement is about far more than academic outcomes alone. My ethos has always been that children need strong foundations in personal development; they should feel nurtured, cared for, valued, and experience a genuine sense of belonging. When children feel safe, confident, and supported, they are able to flourish both personally and academically."
She added: "The report reflects the dedication of our staff, governors, and families in creating a school where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their very best."
While celebrating the success, Mrs Kaminski maintained a forward-looking focus, welcoming the report's pointers for future growth. The school is already proactively working to further strengthen writing skills and ensure learning consistently deepens knowledge across all subjects.
Dave Perrett, Chair of Governors, shared his immense pride in the staff and wider community, whilst Sarah Finch, CEO of The Marches Academy Trust, extended her warmest congratulations, praising the "culture of Achievement Through Caring that underpins life at Tilstock."
