Inspection Reports
At Ainsdale St John's, we are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive school where children are encouraged to achieve their best and let their light shine.
During 2026, our school welcomed both Ofsted and SIAMS inspections. Together, the reports recognise the strength of our school community, the care and support we provide, and our commitment to helping every child flourish.
Below, you can read a family-friendly summary of each inspection, along with the full reports.
What Ofsted Says about ASJ (February 2026)
At Ainsdale St John's, we want every child to feel happy, safe, valued and ready to learn. Our Christian vision, Let your light shine, is at the heart of everything we do.
In February 2026, Ofsted visited ASJ to see what life at our school is really like. Inspectors spent time in classrooms, spoke with children, staff and parents, and looked closely at how we support children to learn, grow and achieve.
We are proud that Ofsted recognised so many strengths across our school, particularly our children's behaviour, our inclusive approach and the quality of leadership.
What did inspectors say?
Ofsted made the following judgements:
Safeguarding Standards Met
Strong Standard: Attendance and behaviour, Inclusion, Leadership and governance
Expected Standard: Curriculum and teaching, Early years, Personal development and wellbeing
Needs Attention: Achievement
What makes ASJ special?
Inspectors recognised that children flourish at ASJ because they are known and valued as individuals. They highlighted:
Happy, confident children: Children enjoy coming to school, show kindness towards others and have excellent attitudes to learning.
A welcoming school family: Children feel a strong sense of belonging, treat one another with respect and recognise the importance of our school values.
An inclusive approach: Children with SEND and those facing additional barriers receive carefully planned support, enabling them to learn successfully and thrive.
A love of reading: Children develop into confident, fluent readers and books are highly valued throughout school.
A positive start to education: Reception children develop the knowledge, confidence and independence they need for Year 1.
Strong leadership: School and Trust leaders know ASJ exceptionally well. Inspectors recognised the thoughtful improvements being made and the support provided to staff.
What are we continuing to improve?
Ofsted judged achievement as 'Needs attention' because historical Year 6 SATs results in reading and mathematics were below the national average. This means that, in previous years, children leaving ASJ had not always achieved as highly as they should.
However, inspectors recognised that the current picture of achievement is significantly more positive. They found that children are making good progress from their starting points, producing work of a high standard and developing the knowledge they need for their next stage of education.
This reflects the improvements being made across school, although our work is not finished. We are continuing to strengthen achievement in reading and mathematics and embed recent curriculum improvements.
Looking ahead
We are proud of the many strengths recognised by Ofsted and ambitious for every child's future.
As part of the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust, we continue to work alongside other schools, sharing expertise and strengthening the education we provide.
At Ainsdale St John's, every child is known, valued, supported and encouraged to shine.
We warmly welcome prospective families to visit us, meet our children and staff, and experience the ASJ Way for themselves.
Read our full Ofsted inspection report – February 2026.
What SIAMS Says about ASJ (June 2026)
At Ainsdale St John's, our Christian vision, Let your light shine (Matthew 5:16), shapes how we learn, how we treat one another and how we work together as a school family.
Our Christian values of Courage, Community and Compassion encourage children to discover their talents, care for others and make a positive difference.
In June 2026, we welcomed a SIAMS inspector to ASJ. SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) explores how a school's Christian vision makes a difference to the lives of children and adults.
We were delighted that SIAMS confirmed that ASJ is living up to its foundation as a Church school and enabling pupils and adults to flourish.
What did inspectors say?
SIAMS identified four notable strengths:
Christian vision: A deeply embedded vision that creates belonging and inspires high aspirations
Collective worship: Joyful, inclusive worship that supports spiritual growth
Community partnerships: Strong relationships with St John's Church and the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust
Mental health and wellbeing: A nurturing approach where children and adults are valued as individuals
What makes ASJ special?
Inspectors recognised that our Christian vision is much more than words. It influences the everyday experiences of children and adults throughout school. They highlighted:
A school where everyone belongs: Children and adults feel valued, supported and part of a caring school family.
Our vision in action: Courage, Community and Compassion shape positive relationships, excellent attitudes to learning and the decisions we make.
Joyful collective worship: Singing, prayer, reflection and opportunities to lead help children explore their spirituality and develop confidence.
Opportunities for every child: Our inclusive curriculum and extra-curricular activities help children discover their interests, develop their talents and shine.
Strong community connections: Our relationships with St John's Church and other Trust schools enrich children's experiences and extend their sense of belonging.
A commitment to wellbeing: Children know that trusted adults care about them, understand their needs and provide support when it is needed.
What are we continuing to improve?
SIAMS recognised many strengths while identifying three areas for us to develop further.
We are continuing to:
Develop spirituality across the curriculum, helping children reflect, ask big questions and explore what matters to them.
Strengthen children's understanding of different religions and beliefs, building their knowledge and encouraging respect for others.
Help children make a difference beyond Ainsdale, developing their understanding of justice, responsibility and how their voices can bring about positive change.
This final priority has helped shape our Aspire to Shine for Justice pupil leadership work, encouraging children to explore important issues and take meaningful action in the wider world.
Looking ahead
We are delighted that SIAMS recognised the difference our Christian vision makes to everyday life at ASJ.
We believe that education is about developing the whole child. Alongside academic achievement, we want children to grow in confidence, character, compassion and faith or personal understanding.
Through our relationships with St John's Church, our families and the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust, we will continue providing opportunities for every child to flourish.
At Ainsdale St John's, every child is known, valued, supported and encouraged to shine.
We warmly welcome prospective families of all faiths and none to visit us, meet our children and staff, and experience the ASJ Way for themselves.