Christ Church CofE (C) Primary School

The worst place I have ever worked and I have worked at a lot of different educational settings. The children are great and mostly well behaved and the teachers and support staff are hard working and supportive and lovely but some members of senior management make working there unbearable, especially one and quite frankly I can’t believe they have been allowed to get away with behaving like that for so many years. It’s disgraceful but also very upsetting and worrying. My mental health and the mental health of so many other employees has been damaged as a result. They use bullying and intimidating behaviour and I would just like to warn anyone who is thinking of working there to ask teachers and staff about their well being at work before accepting the job. There is a reason why so many excellent teachers and support staff are leaving!!!!!

I would really like to see things improve for this school. It's rather sad how easy it is for some members of staff to get walked all over by others who think they have a bit of power. I've physically and mentally struggled as a result of being here, as have others. My potential to progress, the use of my skills, qualifications and abilities were severely stunted. . I have a long history with this school. Many years ago the staff would happily stay and it didn't feel like a prison/army camp. Now there's overbearing micromanagment. Staff not allowed to use initiative or common sense, lots of rules (that often made no sense or got changed the next day)  Lots of intimidation - Everyone worked hard so I imagine it was difficult to find any genuine criticism, hence the unnecessary nitpicking. Could not speak to your colleagues/events were not inclusive. Bullying when there should be teamwork and support. Not acceptable, especially in an environment where you need to set an example to the children.
I joined a union, went to Acas and CA for support and advice - having to go home and think 'did that really happen today?!' is not fair.
You can be treated differently, (one rule for one, another for another) favouritism is rife. in my experience you can get ignored or gaslit if you bring up concerns or requests, but are expected to drop everything if something is expected of you. Some staff complain and get nowhere. Some complain and it makes things worse for them. Not deemed important enough perhaps? Trying to sweep it under the carpet? I would like to know the reasoning and mentality behind it. Some staff leave without another job on the horizon, some staff simply walk out. Heartbreaking when strong bonds have been built between colleagues, children and parents.
If your face fits you may find it ok. If you have a connection or certain status, you may find it ok. It is a shame many brilliant staff have had to dread going into work because long standing issues are not being dealt with. There is a high staff turnover, I don't understand how this statistical fact isn't ringing alarm bells. Shameful.

All of my children have attended this school over the years. Unfortunately, I found the headmistress to have an attitude problem. She was unapproachable and definitely had her favourites. This was true of teachers and parents. I know a few teachers and teaching assistants who left because of her (if your face fits). There was bullying at the school which Mrs Pilmore wanted absolutely no involvement in! Therefore the bullying continued and this is dangerous and damaging to any child. There are a few good teachers though, caring, approachable and good at their job. I did feel they need more SEN support at the school and agree with the previous review.
I would recommend any parent who has a child starting at this school to speak up if they are dissatisfied in any way because eventually something more will have to be done to get this school to a satisfactory level where ALL students are fully supported, so that they can achieve their potential.

Terrible experience.
The school only focuses and cares about children who are academic, leaving the ones who need more help behind.
They DO NOT cater for special needs whatever they may state on the website, little help is offered and any request for support for your child falls on deaf ears.
Too busy spending money on insignificant things and not focusing enough on the vulnerable children.
Overall I would not suggest sending your child here, it’s an extremely Academic, snooty school that clearly doesn’t want children with any kind of needs.
It’s also heavily subscribed and it is a big school, which is absolutely fine if your child is academic but if not avoid.
No support at all.

It was not a good support system for mental health bullying was a big problem and makes people depressed