The Croydon school, based in Warrington Road, was visited by Ofsted on February 4 and 5, 2025. This was the school’s first full inspection under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.
The Minster Junior School was judged to be good overall, with behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, rated as outstanding.
Leadership and management, and the quality of education, were both graded good.
Inspectors found that pupils “enjoy school and are proud members of the Minster community.” Behaviour was described as exemplary, supported by the school’s ‘CALM code’, which helps ensure that staff and pupils understand the expectations around respect, honesty and kindness.
Pupils were found to be kind and caring towards one another and played happily together during social times. Pupils told inspectors that they feel safe at school and know that there are trusted adults they can turn to with any worries.
The school’s work to promote pupils’ broader development was described as extensive.
Alongside the academic curriculum, pupils enjoy a wide range of opportunities and experiences, including art and sports competitions, educational visits, and leadership roles such as eco-council members, sports leaders, and faith ambassadors.
Inspectors found that “the school has high expectations for pupils’ achievement” and that pupils “rise to these expectations.”
They described pupils as diligent, focused learners who take their studies seriously and are well prepared for the next phase of their education.
Leadership at the school was praised, with the executive headteacher, trust and governing body sharing “a shared vision to provide pupils with the best possible education.”
Inspectors noted that the school is reflective, understands its strengths and areas for improvement, and is effectively supported and challenged by the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education multi-academy trust.
The curriculum was described as ambitious and inclusive, with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities accessing the same curriculum as their peers, supported by effective adaptations.
Staff were praised for their professional development and for quickly identifying and addressing pupils’ needs.
While the curriculum was generally strong, inspectors noted that in some subjects the crucial knowledge and skills pupils need to learn were not always as clearly identified.
In these areas, learning could be less focused, and activities sometimes overwhelmed pupils with too much information at once.
Inspectors said: “The school should ensure that the curriculum clearly identifies the crucial learning and supports pupils in remembering what they have been taught.”
Teachers regularly check pupils’ understanding, particularly where the intended learning is clearly set out.
In some subjects, inspectors found that teaching approaches could be further strengthened to support pupils’ understanding over time.
Reading is a priority at The Minster Junior School, with a curriculum focused on developing reading skills using high-quality texts.
Pupils who need extra help are supported with additional phonics teaching where necessary, and books are well matched to reading ability.
However, inspectors noted that, in a small number of cases, the approach to teaching reading could be more tightly focused to improve pupils’ retention and progress towards fluency.
Inspectors found that attendance is improving over time, supported by strong oversight and effective action when needed.
The provision for personal development was described as excellent. Pupils learn to respect and value difference, show strong character, and behave with kindness and maturity.
They are taught about feelings, relationships, health and well-being, and can take part in a wide variety of clubs, ranging from music and cooking to debate, arts and crafts, and board games.
