Dear Parents and Friends 

Christ Church Bentinck is a happy place, where learning is both fun and successful. It manages the task of combining a religious foundation with being fully inclusive, welcoming children from all sections of the local community and of all abilities.

Academically the school performs very well. The latest official national test (SATS) results were fantastic, with our Year 6 pupils obtaining above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics for both progress and attainment. These amazing results have been achieved through a vast amount of carefully planned, individualized teaching to meet the needs of all groups. We work hard to maintain our very high attendance and punctuality levels, with support from all our parents.

But the school is more than just a place for learning. We have our 'Healthy School Status' and will continue to work with both parents and children to maintain this.  We have recently gained the Gold Sustainable Travel Award, which means our children understand the need to look after themselves, by keeping fit and healthy, as well as the need to look after the environment.  The school has also recently achieved the Gold Games Mark. As well as the core curriculum, the children in KS2 are taught a modern foreign language: pupils in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have enjoyed learning Spanish. Outside lessons, our extended school programme offers a range of after-school and community-based activities to foster creativity and curiosity.

Our wonderful Head Teacher, Mrs Tyrrell, ensures calm and efficient day-to-day management within the school, and works hard to foster links with the local community. It is she and her staff – including support staff – who make the school the successful, welcoming place that it is, and we respect their hard work and cheerfulness. I would also like to thank our volunteers, who freely give their time to the school to help individual children in areas such as reading and mathematics. Together, this network creates a unique environment of support for the children and their families, which the Governors greatly value.

The school achieved a rating of "OUTSTANDING" by Ofsted in February 2019. This is a true testament to the hard work of all members of our school community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school continued its tradition of excellence by ensuring that all children were able to maintain their learning and achievements despite the challenging environment.

Feedback from parents on what you think about the school and how you would like us to develop is always welcome. Do feel free to write in with your comments to Mrs Tyrrell or to the Governors, or come to one of the informal meetings for all parents that the school organizes on a regular basis.

We are very proud of our school, and hope that you are too.

Susannah Robinson

Chair of Governors