Upton St James CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Upton St James is a good school. The vast majority of pupils achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics.

Because there is very well-targeted support, both in class and through additional provision, pupils who are disabled and those who have special educational needs make good progress. The progress of a small number of more-able pupils is more variable. They make good progress in learning to read and some make good progress in writing and mathematics, but there remains a small number for whom progress is only satisfactory.

The quality of teaching pupils receive is good. Relationships are strong, so pupils are managed well and lessons are conducted in an environment that enables them to l...earn. In the main, time is used well, with lessons being conducted briskly.

There are, however, occasions when pupils do not have enough time to complete work in a well-paced way. Through target setting and marking, pupils are aware of what they need to do to improve their work, and are keen to do this. The helpfulness of marking is not consistent, however, because it is not always sufficiently precise in showing pupils exactly where and how they could make improvements.

Pupils report feeling safe and secure in school. Their behaviour is good and is instrumental in ensuring the school is a harmonious community. As a result of well-targeted actions to bring about improvement, rates of progress have increased significantly over the last four years and continue to rise.

This, and the good teamwork between the headteacher, staff and the governing body, mean that the school is demonstrating good capacity for further improvement. Within overall good leadership and management, the headteacher provides excellent, dedicated leadership and is a significant driving force in the way the school has improved and continues to do so.

Information about the school

The school is smaller than average.

Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. Only a few speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well-above average, as is the proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

The proportion of pupils who enter or leave the school at other than normal transition times is also well-above average. Over the last four years, more boys than girls have attended the school. Reception-aged children are taught in one class.

Other pupils are taught in classes covering two age groups. The school has both breakfast and after-school clubs managed by the governing body. Pupils' attainment has exceeded government floor standards in each of the last three years.