KING Arthur’s School in Wincanton has undergone a “significant journey of improvement” since its last inspection, according to Ofsted.

The two-day inspection at the end of April found that the school is ‘Good’ in three of the four main areas – with improvement needed in the quality of education.

This comes after the previous inspection in 2022 found the school required improvements.

The school’s ‘Good’ judgements were given to the behaviour and attitudes and personal development of its students, and the leadership and management of its staff.

The report praises the school’s leadership, ethos and culture, stating: “King Arthur’s instils in pupils a belief that they can and will achieve beyond expectations.”

Inspectors highlighted the school’s happy, safe and supportive environment, strong community ties, and the high expectations for student behaviour.

Pupils themselves were reported to feel a renewed confidence in their school and appreciated staff’s ‘praise hard’ approach.

Headteacher Jonty Archibald, who took up post in September 2024, welcomed the recognition of the school’s transformation.

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“I am absolutely delighted with this Ofsted report,” he said.

“It reflects the hard work, passion and belief that our entire school community has shown over the past year.

“To have received three ‘Good’ judgements in key areas is a real testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience and ambition of our students, and the incredible support from our parents and carers.

“King Arthur’s is a school on the rise — full of energy, positivity and potential — and this report confirms what we already know: that our students are thriving, and our community is stronger than ever. The future is very bright, and I’m excited for what comes next.”

The report also commended the school’s wide-ranging personal development offer, including trips abroad, their Aspire programme, and opportunities for leadership roles such as prefects and sports leaders.

The report said: “Pupils benefit from a high-quality programme of enrichment” and that staff morale is high, with professional development and wellbeing actively prioritised.

King Arthur’s is part of SAST, a multi-academy trust of schools across South Somerset and North Dorset.

SAST CEO, David Watson OBE said: “We are incredibly proud of the progress King Arthur’s School has made.

“This Ofsted report is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the staff, students, and wider school community.

“Under Jonty Archibald’s leadership, the school has made significant strides, and I want to acknowledge the outstanding support from colleagues across the Trust who have worked tirelessly to help support him to drive this improvement.

“Together, we remain committed to ensuring that every child at King Arthur’s receives the excellent education they deserve.”