Question 1

Is Masham CofE Primary School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Masham CofE Primary School was rated Inadequate by Ofsted in January 2024, meaning the school is not currently providing an acceptable standard of education. In the latest Key Stage 2 figures, 40% met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, and 0% reached the higher standard. The school is now under special measures and working with the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust to improve.

Question 2

Why was the school rated Inadequate?

Accepted Answer

Ofsted identified significant weaknesses in curriculum implementation, particularly in reading and mathematics. Phonics delivery is inconsistent, and pupils who fall behind do not receive adequate targeted support. Mathematics teaching in mixed-age classes is disjointed, with pupils not learning knowledge securely. Behaviour expectations are inconsistent across the school, and pupils with SEND do not consistently receive the support needed to implement their individual plans. Staffing instability over recent years complicated improvement efforts.

Question 3

Is the school improving?

Accepted Answer

The school has begun to show positive signs of change, particularly in early years provision where curriculum development is improving. The school is now part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, which provides external expertise and support. However, Ofsted previously noted limited capacity for rapid improvement, and sustained effort will be needed to address identified weaknesses before the next monitoring inspection, which will follow a period of external support.

Question 4

What is the school's music programme?

Accepted Answer

The school has a choir that participates in the Gabrieli Roar programme, an ambitious national initiative where young choirs perform alongside professional musicians and world-class composers. The Masham CE Primary School Choir performed in 'A Grand Georgian Christmas' at York Minster in December 2024, singing classical music alongside other local school choirs and professional ensembles. The programme aims to be transformational, helping pupils discover classical music from within.

Question 5

How is the school organized?

Accepted Answer

The school operates three mixed-age classes: Swinney Class, Burn Class, and Cover Class. Ofsted noted that mixed-age teaching in the school has not been adequately supported by curriculum planning that meets different pupils' needs, particularly in mathematics. The school has four classrooms, a computer suite, a school hall, and outdoor spaces including a wilderness play area and recreation ground. Founded in 1819, the school was most recently refurbished in 2011.

Question 6

What is the school's Christian character?

Accepted Answer

Masham CofE Primary School is a Church of England voluntary aided school under the Diocese of Leeds. Its motto is 'One Body, Many Parts' (1 Corinthians 12), reflecting the idea that each person has a special talent and role to play. The school's Christian vision emphasizes developing pupils' minds, spirits, and bodies within a caring, forgiving, and kind community. Christian values are integrated throughout the curriculum, and the school provides religious education aligned with Church of England perspectives.

Question 7

What should families know before applying?

Accepted Answer

Families should understand that Masham CofE Primary School is currently under special measures following an Inadequate rating in January 2024. The school is actively working to improve with support from the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, but substantial changes are still needed. Early years provision has recently improved, and the school is working to address curriculum inconsistencies in reading and mathematics. A monitoring inspection will occur following the current support period. Families should visit the school, speak to the head teacher, and carefully consider whether they feel confident in the school's improvement trajectory.

Ofsted Inspection

Inspection History

Inspection Categories