Barwell Church of England Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school.

Excellent teaching and an innovative curriculum enable pupils to achieve excellent gains in their skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as outstanding personal qualities. Achievement is outstanding for all groups of pupils in all years. Overall standards at the end of Year 6 have been consistently above the national average since 2008.

They have been above average in reading and mathematics, but have been broadly average in writing. There was a weakness in spelling, with pupils not using their knowledge of letters and sounds well enough to spell accurately. Since the introduction of a new curriculum, standards have risen significantly and are now also abov...e average in writing.

Teaching is outstanding and has a considerable impact on pupils' progress. Teachers bring learning to life and make it exceptionally meaningful and enjoyable. They use assessment data exceptionally well to match work accurately to the wide range of pupils' needs, whilst challenging them so they move on rapidly in their learning.

However the teaching and marking of spelling is not universally effective. Behaviour is outstanding in lessons and at other times around the school. Pupils show determination to succeed and have exceptionally positive attitudes to learning.

Pupils are safe in the school and show a very strong awareness of how to stay safe. Robust leadership by the headteacher and the senior leadership team have ensured that the school has improved upon its good overall effectiveness at the previous inspection. Self-evaluation is highly effective and focuses on provision and its impact on the progress that pupils are making in their learning.

Commitment amongst the staff to deliver a stimulating curriculum, that supports excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, while still making exceptional gains in their learning, is very strong.

Information about the school

This is an average-sized junior school. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is similar to the national average.

A few pupils come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The very large majority are White British. Very few speak English as an additional language and very few are at the early stages of learning English.

The proportion of pupils who are supported at school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs is about average. A notable but small minority of pupils join the school partway through the year, or in different year groups. The school has attained Full International Schools Award, the International Inclusion Quality Mark, Artsmark Gold Level, Basic Skills Quality Mark, and Healthy School's status, Eco Schools Bronze Award, Sport Activemark and the Charter Standard for football.

The school was the midlands regional winner for Church School of the Year, 2011. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school runs a breakfast club each morning for up to 20 pupils.

There is a children's centre on site, Barwell Children's Centre. The school is responsible for its upkeep and the local authority for its management. It is subject to a separate inspection.

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