Bishop Henderson Primary School stands as proof that a school can achieve high academic standards at the same time as delivering an exciting curriculum to support pupils’ spiritual and social development.
This delicate balance of achieving excellent exam results while providing a broad and rich education is perhaps best summed up by the school’s motto – ‘Learning together for life in all its fullness’.
The words come from the Bible (John 10:10) and underpin everything the Church of England school does.
Students participating in learning.
Ed Gregory, who has been head teacher at Bishop Henderson since 2010, explained: “Based on the words of Jesus, we use this motto because we all, children and adults, have great hopes and aspiration for each other as well as for ourselves. We are all learning together on our journey in life, we can all support each other and we can all flourish, making positive contributions for our communities and our futures.”
Pupils concentrating in class.
Inspectors agree the school is in great shape. In November 2017, six months after the school was judged Outstanding in its Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report, Ofsted inspectors rated it ‘Good’ in all areas, in particular praising the way all pupils are expected to ‘achieve their potential regardless of background, prior attainment or additional need’.
FACTFILE:
Name: Bishop Henderson Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Address: Henderson Close Galmington Taunton TA1 4TU
Phone number: 01823 274770
Website: bishophendersonschool.co.uk/
Number of pupils: 426
Number of classes: 14
Uniform: Purple
Ofsted report: Good
Headteacher : Edward Gregory
Chairman of Governors: Donna Huddy
School motto: ‘Learning together for life in all its fullness’.
Two pupils enjoying some time outdoors.
In 2017, 80 per cent of 11-year-olds at the school achieved the benchmark ‘Age Related Expectation’ across the core curriculum – well above the national and Somerset averages of 61 per cent and 59 per cent.
But academic success is just one strength. The school’s varied curriculum includes the popular Forest School, French lessons, competitive and friendly sports and learning brass instruments.
A group of friends from the school.
Mr Gregory added: “We see learning as a journey that will last a lifetime. Along the way every success is a milestone and every challenge is a doorway to new possibilities.
“We encourage a positive, caring attitude and a ‘growth mindset’ in all of the children.”
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