Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet has been praised in an independent peer review which found leadership, teaching and support for pupils to be effective across all areas.

The secondary school, which serves Shepton Mallet and surrounding Somerset villages, was reviewed on Tuesday, 21 January 2026 as part of the Challenge Partners Quality Assurance Review programme.

Reviewers found the school's leadership, quality of education and support for disadvantaged pupils and those with additional needs were all effective.

The report highlighted a clear vision from school leaders, strong relationships between staff and pupils and a positive culture for learning across the school.

Headteacher Matthew Pike, who joined Whitstone School in September 2025, was praised for leading improvement with "purpose and passion" while strengthening links between the school and the local community.

One example highlighted by reviewers was new partnerships with local employers, which provide work experience opportunities for Year 10 pupils to help raise aspirations and broaden career awareness.

Inspectors also pointed to a wide range of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities, with pupils taking part in educational visits and reward events.

Teaching was praised for being well structured, with lessons designed to help pupils build knowledge step-by-step over time.

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Teachers were also commended for strong subject knowledge and the use of questioning and retrieval activities to help pupils remember what they have learned.

The report noted that students behave well in lessons, follow classroom routines and show pride in their work.

Reviewers also highlighted strong pastoral support, with staff providing early help for pupils who may face barriers to learning.

The school's support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was also praised.

Staff were found to identify pupils' needs early and provide targeted support, while teaching assistants were credited with helping pupils grow in confidence and capability.

Whitstone School previously received an overall "effective" peer evaluation in November 2023 and was rated Good by Ofsted in April 2022.

The review said the school could continue improving by developing training for middle leaders and ensuring lessons consistently increase in challenge as pupils progress through them.

Whitstone School is a small secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16, serving Shepton Mallet and nearby communities.

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