Durweston CE Primary School

I am delighted that you are interested in our lovely school.

We are very proud of what we do here.  As a small village school, we believe we get to know all of our children as individuals and strive to bring out the best in each of them.  We have high expectations of work and behaviour but, as well as working hard, we make sure our children have fun too. Our vision is to 'Feed the mind, nurture the spirit and free the imagination.'  By offering the richest curriculum that we can, and inspiring a commitment to our values of courage, compassion and joy, we hope to ensure that our children are well-prepared for whatever happens in their lives when they leave us.

Our pre-school takes children from their 3rd birthday. In the main school, the children are arranged into 5 mixed-age classes:

• Starfish – Reception (with Nursery in the afternoons)

• Dolphins – years 1&2

• Seahorses – years 2&3

• Sharks – years 4&5

• Porpoises years 5&6

This offers us a unique opportunity to place children in a class that best matches their pace and style of learning. It also means that the mix of children in each class changes; each year, the children meet new friends and come back together with those they have known in previous years.   Our staff have the experience and knowledge to make sure that each child is given the curriculum that meets their needs, and they work closely together to ensure continuity and progression.

We are also fortunate to enjoy an outstanding location.  The Stour flows past us on one side whilst on the other, the local farmer allows us to explore his fields and forests – we have our own forest school area which all children visit regularly.  The church is next door, and we hold worship there three times a week.

Our 2022 OFSTED report recognised us as a 'good' school.  The inspector was hugely impressed by the positive behaviour and attitude of our children, and the warm, nurturing relationships that exist between all members of the school community.  Please find the full report here. We were also judged good in our SIAMS inspection in February 2020. In their judgement:

'Dedicated staff and governors ensure this is a nurturing Christian family community, enabling all adults and pupils to flourish. Pupils show resilience and courage and go on to the next stage of their lives with a love of learning.'

I do believe that our hard-working children, experienced staff, committed governors and supportive parents make this a warm and welcoming community that is a great place to live, work and learn.

So, please have a look at our website and newsletters to gain a flavour of what we offer and then, why not make an appointment to come and visit? We would be delighted to show you around.

During lockdown,  we worked with ex-pupil and video-making superstar Austin Nicholson, to put together this short video to give  a flavour of who we are and what we have to offer.  

Please ring the office on 01258 452277 to make an appointment to look round and do not hesitate to email us at office@durweston.dsat.org.uk  if there is anything else you would like to know.

'Stand true in what you believe. Be courageous, be strong. 

And do everything with love.' 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 

Jenny McMullen 

Headteacher