Balsall Common Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Children get an excellent start to their education in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They make outstanding progress in all areas of their early development.

Standards in reading, writing and mathematics are high. Pupils make rapid and sustained progress across all year groups. Teaching is typically outstanding and pupils respond well to their teachers' very high expectations.

Teachers' marking is often of a high quality, although they do not always ensure that pupils benefit by correcting their mistakes. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary, both in lessons and around the school. They have very positive attitudes to learning and lov...e coming to school.

Pupils feel extremely safe. The subjects taught are especially well designed to promote high achievement, and to interest and engage pupils. Practical and exciting activities make learning very meaningful to the pupils.

Governors are skilled, knowledgeable and know the school extremely well. They provide high levels of support and challenge to ensure pupils get the highest quality of education. Leadership at all levels is outstanding.

Leaders use very good systems to check on pupils' attainment and progress. As a result, their achievement and the quality of teaching continue to improve.

Information about this school

This is a larger-than-average primary school.

The school converted to academy status in August 2012. When Ofsted last inspected its predecessor school, of the same name, in February 2009, it was judged to be good. The very large majority of pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below average. Very few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action is below average.

The proportion who are supported at school action plus, or with a statement of special educational needs, is above average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (additional government funding to assist certain groups, which in this school applies to pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals) is well below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum national expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Also at this postcode