Ofsted has revealed the four 'outstanding' rated schools in the Swindon area.

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages and also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.

Their priorities

"Our 2022-27 strategy sets out our strategic priorities".

  • Inspections that raise standards: our inspections help education and social care recover and improve.
  • Right-touch regulation: our regulation advances high-quality care, education and safeguarding for children.
  • Making the most of our insights: we share insights through our research and analysis. Our insights inform practitioners, policymakers and decision-makers and lead to improvements across the system.
  • The best start in life: we will develop the evidence base about early years education, including curriculum and pedagogy, and act on it.
  • Keeping children safe: we promote children’s safety and welfare in everything we do.
  • Keeping pace with sector changes: we keep pace as the education and social care sectors evolve. We will continually review our approach and advocate for additional powers where required.
  • Accessible and engaged: we are open and accessible to our different audiences, understanding their needs.
  • A skilled workforce: we make sure we have the tools, knowledge and expertise we need to continue to be a force for improvement.

The 4 Outstanding Schools in Swindon

Drove Children's Centre

Category: Children's centres

Northampton Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2JX

Rating: Outstanding

Back in 2016, volunteer co-ordinator Lisa Aldred said: “It has been amazing to watch and see people who didn’t know each other a few months ago now working with each other and going around to each other’s houses to plan their next events."

They had run activities celebrating the cultures of India, Kenya and Italy.

“Drove is a very diverse area, with people from all different backgrounds. There must be at least 40 different languages spoken in Drove – I am sure there are even more than that."

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School

Category: Primary

Broadway, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 3BN

Rating: Outstanding

Speaking about the result, Lisa Davies, principal of the primary and nursery school in North Swindon, said: “This result is a testament to the incredible work of our staff, who go the extra mile every day to provide the best possible education for every pupil.

“The inspection also speaks to the wonderful community of parents and carers who contribute so much to our school community, and last but not least, all our amazing pupils.”

East Wichel Primary School & Nursery

Category: Primary

Staldon Road, East Wichel, East Wichel Community Primary School, Staldon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 7AG

Rating: Outstanding

Paula Phillips, headteacher, commented: "We are thrilled to receive such a positive report from OFSTED. Our dedicated staff, governors, pupils and parents work hard to create a nurturing and ambitious environment, and it is wonderful to see that recognized by the inspectors.

"This outstanding report is a testament to their hard work and commitment.”

The Croft Primary School

Category: Primary

Marlborough Lane, The Croft Primary School, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 1RA

Rating: Outstanding

Earlier this year, pupils at The Croft raised over £3,000 by 'reading their socks off' in the run-up to World Book Day, 2023, by competing in a readathon. 

Elaine Murphy, principal, said: “Thank you to all of our wonderful families who put in an incredible effort. The determination of our pupils and the generosity of our community means we can afford to buy a large quantity of new books for our Library area.

"We are glad to be able to offer our pupils the opportunity to further enhance their love of reading."