St John's CofE First School, Stafford

Ofsted's report card from its 2 June 2026 inspection grades St John's CofE First School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Inclusion - Strong standard. "The school's welcoming and inclusive culture is praised by many parents."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have implemented a considered and coherent approach to personal development that is firmly rooted in the school's Christian values."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Recent published outcomes show that pupils perform above average in the Year 1 phonics screening check."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Pupils' overall attendance is currently just above the national average."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have ensured that there is an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum in place."

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

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a clear ethos where pupils are placed firmly at the heart of everything they do."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that most effective teaching practice is implemented consistently across all year groups"; "Leaders should improve the accuracy of handwriting and spelling for those pupils who do not yet apply them consistently in their work"; "Leaders should continue their work to raise the attendance of vulnerable groups".

The school runs after-school care.

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put St John's CofE First School as their first choice and 22 named it as one of their preferences, for 11 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to St John's CofE First School are St Mary's CofE First Academy (2.5 miles, Good); St Mary's Catholic Primary School (2.7 miles, Good, 86% reading, 86% maths); St Mary and St Chad CofE First School (3 miles, Good); and St Mary's CofE Primary School (3.4 miles, Good, 87% reading, 80% maths).

St John's CofE First School is one of 7 schools run by Penk Valley Academy Trust, an academy trust.

9.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 10 pupils (12.3%) received SEN support and 2 (2.5%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

St John's CofE First School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Albrighton Rail Station, about 3.2 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Beacon Park (adjacent), 210 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 13 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Staffordshire (86).

In 2024/25, St John's CofE First School issued 1 suspension, 1.3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.