Here at both Churcham Primary School and Ashleworth CofE Primary School we are scientists!
We want our children to remember their Science lessons and embrace the science opportunities that they are presented with. We encourage the children to develop their own sense of curiosity and build on their enquiry skills towards the natural world by providing inspirational and engaging lessons both inside and outside of the classroom. We ensure that we provide a broad and balanced science curriculum that evokes excitement and an awareness of the world around them.
Our whole school Science Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum 2014 and our KS1 and KS2 rolling programmes provide a careful sequence of learning, so that the children build on what has been taught before, which helps to develop their skills, knowledge and related vocabulary from year group to year group. To ensure that the lessons are relevant and take account of the children’s different starting points of knowledge and experience, the staff use a variety of questioning, mind maps and classroom discussions to find out what the children already know.
In Reception, Science is taught through the children learning about the world around them through play, stories and Forest School.
As staff we continue to incorporate Science concepts into other areas of learning such as Forest School, Maths, and Computing lessons. As well as our Science lessons, Churcham and Ashleworth Schools continue to hold whole school Science mornings annually, where the children have the opportunity to work together to explore and celebrate Science in the world around them.
Gloucestershire County Council Consultation on the closure of Ashleworth C of E Primary with effect from 1 April 2027
What are we proposing for Ashleworth C of E Primary and why
Ashleworth C of E Primary is a 4-11 Church of England voluntary controlled primary school.
The school currently offers 8 Reception places each year with a total capacity for 56 pupils. In May 2026 there were 15 pupils in attendance, however, as of 1 September 2026, there were no pupils on roll.
Families are choosing alternative schools in the local area, and the ongoing low numbers of pupils have limited what the school can offer in terms of a broad, balanced and effective education and an appropriate peer group. The social development of pupils is a key issue.
An Ofsted inspection in March 2026 (report June 2026) placed the school in special measures. If a school is placed in special measures, it means that Ofsted has judged that the school is not providing an acceptable standard of education. This does not mean a school is unsafe, nor that children should move schools, but it does mean that aspects of the school’s provision require urgent action.
As a result, Gloucestershire County Council considers that the school is no longer viable and is now seeking feedback on a proposal to close the school as of 1 April 2027.
What happens next?
Responses received will be put together into a report for the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills. She will then consider everything that people have said to help decide on the future of Ashleworth C of E Primary School.
If the Cabinet Member decides that the best option is to close the school, Gloucestershire County Council will publish a statutory notice with proposals for the school to close on 1 April 2027. There will then be a further 4-week period for people to respond to the proposal before a final decision is made in February/March 2027.
You can also give us your comments by emailing: [email protected] or by posting a copy of the questionnaire to:
Ashleworth C of E Consultation
Education, Planning and Development
Shire Hall
Gloucester GL1 2BR
You can also complete the questionnaire on our website at: https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com
Completed questionnaires must reach us by 5pm on Tuesday 10 November.
Gloucestershire County Council has a commitment to protecting personal information. All answers will be treated in accordance with the Data Protection act.