St Sidwell’s Primary School and Nursery praised by Ofsted
St Sidwell’s Primary School and Nursery, described as ‘highly Inclusive where pupils thrive and feel a lasting sense of belonging’, has been praised under the renewed OFSTED framework.
St Sidwell’s Primary School, located on York Road in Exeter, has been highlighted as a ‘strong’ effective provider of education across all grades under the revised inspection framework which introduced in November 2025.
The renewed inspection framework has brought significant changes to how schools are evaluated, with a sharper focus on curriculum and teaching quality, inclusion, leadership and governance, behaviour and attendance, achievement, early years provision and the personal development and well-being of pupils. Rather than a single overall grade, schools are now assessed across these key areas.
The leadership team, led by Headteacher Angie Rowe who took up her role in June 2023, were described as having expertly steered and embedded improvements across the school. Angie Rowe said the result was a reflection of the whole school community:
“We are absolutely delighted with our report; it is a testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of our staff, pupils and families. We are incredibly proud that our school has been recognised in this way.”
Inspectors praised the school for its ambitious curriculum, high expectations and inclusive ethos. The report states that “pupils thrive at this highly inclusive school” and describes pupils’ behaviour as extremely positive with interactions across the school being extremely warm with pupils going “out of their way to be kind to one another.” This strongly aligns with the school’s vision of Finding the light in ourselves and each other which underpins the school’s culture and ethos.
St Sidwell’s was recognised as a school where all adults are determined to help pupils overcome barriers and close gaps in key knowledge quickly, including those with a wide range of additional needs. Ofsted also praised the school for working closely with parents to ensure that pupils develop a deep sense of belonging.
Sean Millar, Director of Education, said: ‘St Sidwell’s primary school is central to the life of the local community and we are really pleased with how this report recognises and celebrates the school as a highly inclusive and strongly attaining school in which pupils love to learn and thrive – a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire school team and community.'
Inspectors highlighted the strength of curriculum and teaching, noting that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They reported that pupils’ work across a range of subjects is of high quality, reflecting a carefully planned and ambitious curriculum delivered by skilled and knowledgeable staff. This strong teaching is translating directly into improved outcomes, with evidence that “attainment is rising and test results were above the nationally published averages.” The report also recognises that expectations are high for all learners, confirming that more able pupils perform well.
In the Early Years, children were found to thrive and make a strong start to their education at St Sidwell’s because of the quality of the curriculum, the resources, and high-quality interactions with adults.
Parents and governors have welcomed the news, describing it as a proud moment for the entire community. Chair of Governors William Gallois commented:
“The governing body is thrilled that the inspection team recognised the way in which the brilliant education offered at St Sidwell’s draws on and celebrates the diversity of the school community.”
Leaders are now focused on building on this success ensuring every pupil continues to thrive.
More information about St Sidwell’s can be found here: Welcome to St Sidwell's Church of England Primary and Nursery School.
If you would like to arrange a tour of the school, please contact the school office by email sid.admin@stcmat.org or call 01392 255551.
