Barcombe Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher provides exceptionally strong leadership for this friendly, hard-working and inclusive school. All members of staff say they are proud to work in the school. The headteacher is supported by a highly effective team of senior and middle leaders.

They model the highest standards of professionalism in all they do and make a substantial contribution to the school's success. Outstanding teaching ensures that most pupils achieve extremely well in reading, writing and mathematics. Standards are above average at the end of Year 2 and much higher than the national average at the end of Year 6.

Pupils' outstanding a...ttitudes to learning and excellent behaviour make a significant contribution to their progress and to their enjoyment of school. They are courteous, confident and cooperative learners. Leaders make full use of the primary sport premium to engage pupils in physical activity.

Pupils participate enthusiastically in the extensive range of sports activities available in the school. Pupils know that adults value what they have to say and are wholly confident that they will sort out any concerns. They feel very safe and make a confident contribution to school life.

Improvements in early years provision during the past few years have accelerated children's progress. Careful planning ensures children very rapidly acquire early reading, writing and mathematical skills. Developments in the teaching of phonics (the sounds linked to letters) have led to a dramatic improvement in pupils' achievement in reading and writing.

The school is exceptionally well led and managed. The governing body has a thorough knowledge of the school's work and is fully involved in ongoing reviews and improvements. The inclusion leader makes a significant contribution to ensuring that pupils receive the support and care they need to achieve well, including those eligible for support provided by pupil premium funding.

Teaching has improved strongly over the past few years, lifting pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics to the current high levels. Pupils are extremely well prepared for life in modern Britain. They embrace and demonstrate British values throughout their time in school and respect differing viewpoints.

Leaders recognise the need to embed and strengthen recent changes in the curriculum to ensure high levels of achievement are maintained.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is below that found in most schools.

The pupil premium is additional government funding to support those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those in the care of the local authority. The large majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported at school action plus, or with a statement of special educational needs, is below average.

The school provides full-time early years provision in the Reception class. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The headteacher, deputy headteacher, inclusion leader and all teachers have been appointed since the last inspection.