ST JOHN'S COFE (C) PRIMARY SCHOOL in West Midlands, Wolverhampton

Education Centre Information: St John's CofE (C) Primary School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Controlled School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Staffordshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Church of England
Diocese: Diocese of Lichfield
Nursery Provider: Has Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 465
Number of boys: 235
Number of girls: 230
Age Range: 3-11
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Background:

St John's Primary opened in the 1960s as a junior school and was extended and made into a middle school in 1975 before becoming a primary in 1985. 'Excellent facilities' include a separate gymnasium, computer suite, library, art room and community room, and there also are 'extensive' playing fields in rural surroundings. Most of the personnel have joined St John's in the last three years and the school recognises it is an 'improving school'. The staff responsible for literacy and numeracy have been nominated by the LEA as 'lead teachers' and regularly support curriculum development in other schools. A 'wide' range of extra-curricular activities includes drama, pottery, football, netball, choir, art, dance and hockey. 'In this area our principle is one of involvement rather than excellence.' Links with the local community are 'very strong' and the parent's association arranges valuable fund-raising events each year. The school organises annual activities with a community focus which have included a community walk, a mining exhibition and a photographic competition. St John's enjoys 'spacious' accommodation and does not aspire to grow above its current two classes per year group, 'preferring to avoid overcrowding'. However, 'a reflection of its popularity is that more than 10% of its pupils come from outside its official catchment area'.