St John's C of E Academy, Coleford

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades St John's C of E Academy on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Strong standard. "Leaders have a clear and ambitious vision for the early years."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils' achievement across school and in national tests has improved over recent years, especially for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Most pupils attend school regularly and on time."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have created a broad and ambitious curriculum."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "St John's is an inclusive school."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders know the school community well."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a well-considered and age-appropriate personal, social and health education curriculum."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to ensure that the curriculum is taught consistently well so that pupils achieve highly"; "Leaders should continue to embed high expectations of behaviour so that more pupils develop their self-discipline"; "Leaders should ensure that pupils develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity in Britain".

In its own words: "Being a creative advocate is about being 'agents of change' by supporting, defending or speaking out on behalf of others; arguing for, or supporting a cause. We actively support charities and organisations that make a difference to people's lives and our world."

In 2025, 58% of Year 6 pupils at St John's C of E Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 75% in Gloucestershire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 77% in reading and 63% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put St John's C of E Academy as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to St John's C of E Academy are Coalway Primary School (1 mile, Good, 84% reading, 81% maths); Coalway Community Infant School (1 mile, Requires improvement); Berry Hill Primary School (1.3 miles, Requires improvement, 73% reading, 70% maths); and Clearwell Church of England Primary School (1.9 miles, Good, 71% reading, 43% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than St John's C of E Academy.

St John's C of E Academy is one of 25 schools run by The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust, an academy trust.

36.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 7.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 34 pupils (21.9%) received SEN support and 5 (3.2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

St John's C of E Academy had 13 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Dean Forest Railway, about 3.4 miles away in a straight line.

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St John's School (by), 80 metres away.

In 2024/25, St John's C of E Academy issued 4 suspensions, 2.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.