A LOCAL village school is flourishing, according to the body which evaluates Church of England and Methodist Church schools.

Weston Under Penyard Church of England Primary School has received high praise in its latest Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report, which celebrates the school’s deep-rooted Christian vision, exceptional care for its community, and unwavering commitment to helping every child and adult flourish.

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 1:3, “You are like a tree planted by streams of water that never run dry” the report describes Weston Under Penyard as a school where pupils and adults “thrive in a nurturing, compassionate environment.”

At the heart of the school’s success lies its powerful Christian vision which is grounded in the core values of trust, kindness, and friendship.

Inspectors noted that the vision that inspires and sustains are values that are the bedrock of school life and influence every aspect of learning and leadership.

Leaders were praised for their unwavering commitment to serve the needs of their families, creating a culture in which everyone feels “loved, inspired, nurtured and empowered.”

From the popular school nursery and wraparound care to the school’s strong focus on outdoor learning, inspectors found countless examples of this vision in action.

Executive headteacher Beth Stevens and head of school Luisa Lee-Smith were recognised for cultivating a highly skilled and innovative staff team through effective partnerships with the River Wye Federation and the Hereford Diocese. Together, they have built a strong, purposeful and flourishing community.

Inspectors were particularly impressed by Weston Under Penyard’s pupils, who shine with kindness and purpose and make ethical choices and show genuine care for others.

The inspectors noted that whether raising funds for St Michael’s Hospice, engaging in global citizenship projects, or achieving UNICEF’s ‘Rights Respecting Schools’ Gold Award, pupils consistently demonstrate compassion, respect, and a strong moral awareness.

Older pupils act as role models, supporting younger children and ensuring newcomers quickly feel welcome.

“Pupils are well-behaved and polite,” the report notes, “and they know how to disagree respectfully.”

The inspectors also observed that learning nourishes body, mind and spirit as the curriculum at Weston Under Penyard was celebrated for being inclusive and inspiring.

The report also observed that staff provide specialist support to ensure that all pupils can access learning and succeed; a rich variety of enrichment activities fosters a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Weston-under-Penyard Primary School opened in 1865, and was established as a National School, a that was historically associated with the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church.

It is now a voluntary-aided Church of England primary school that serves children from ages of two to 11. It is part of the River Wye Federation of schools with Whitchurch Primary.

The school has a strong focus on its values of trust, kindness, and friendship, which are integrated through its curriculum, including its approach to social, moral, spiritual, and cultural education.

For more information contact the school by email [email protected] .