Inspection Reports
Ofsted Inspection
We had a very successful ungraded Ofsted Inspection in November 2023 . The report can be downloaded from the link on this page. As it was an ungraded inspection our grade could not be changed however, we were very pleased that the judgement made was that the school continues to be ‘good’ and we showed sufficient evidence that we might be ‘outstanding’. The school’s next inspection will be under the new OFSTED Framework so judgements will not be directly comparable with this report.
Project Documents
Project Links
OFSTED Inspection
In particular we are proud that the report highlighted:
- Pupils benefit from inspiring learning experiences
- Pupils are kind and understanding -expectations for learning are high and pupils do all that they can to meet and exceed the challenges set
- All members of the school community treat each other with respect
- Staff are happy working at the school
- Pupils thrive and enjoy all aspects of school life because they feel safe, happy and secure
- Reading for pleasure is prioritised. Pupils love books, literature and reading
- Pupils’Aspiritual, moral, social and cultural development is supported exceptionally well through the academic curriculum and wider provision
- The school has a deeply inclusive ethos.
For more information, please read the full report.
Church Inspection
As a Church of England school, we are regularly inspected under the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS). These inspections are required by law (Section 48 of the Education Act 2005) and focus specifically on how well a school is living out its identity and foundation as a Church school. Our last church inspection took place in January 2026 and can be downloaded from the link in the side panel.
Purpose of a SIAMS Inspection
The core purpose of SIAMS is to evaluate how the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision shapes everything it does, and how this vision enables all pupils and adults to flourish. Inspectors consider:
- What the school’s Christian vision is
- What the school does because of that vision
- How well this supports pupils’ personal, spiritual, and academic development
What Do Inspectors Look At?
Inspectors explore a set of key areas known as “Inspection Questions”, which include evaluating:
- How the school’s Christian vision helps pupils and adults flourish
- How the curriculum reflects that vision
- The quality and impact of collective worship
- The school’s culture of care, justice, and responsibility
- The effectiveness of Religious Education (RE)
What Judgement Is Given?
At the end of the inspection, the report will state one of two judgements:
- The school is living up to its foundation as a Church school and enabling pupils and adults to flourish, or
- The school has strengths but also areas that leaders need to address as a priority
What did SIAMs say about Sedlescombe?
“Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.”
- Christian vision lived out daily across the school, creating a caring, welcoming environment where pupils and adults flourish.
- Curriculum rooted in curiosity and challenge, giving pupils rich opportunities to be creative, aspirational and fulfil their God‑given potential.
- Kind, respectful behaviour and strong relationships that create a culture of belonging and mutual respect.
- Meaningful collective worship linked to Christian values, offering reflection, prayer and stillness, enriched by strong links with the church.
- Supportive, nurturing environment prioritising emotional wellbeing for pupils and staff, helping everyone feel valued and secure.
- High‑quality Religious Education, with a coherent curriculum that helps pupils understand a range of faiths and worldviews.
- Strong community partnerships, including with parents, the Diocese and the Trust, enhancing provision and supporting pupil flourishing.