Bishopsteignton School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. Pupils achieve well.

They progress well from starting points in Reception that are broadly at levels expected for their ages, to attain above average attainments in reading, writing and mathematics by the time they leave the school. The school is not outstanding because teaching is not outstanding and decisions about what will further improve the school are not as tightly focused as they should be. Pupils of all ages and abilities make good progress.

Pupils' achievement in speaking and listening is particularly strong, supporting the good progress they make in all subjects. Pupils are well taught, enabling them to steadily build their attainment in a wide range of subjec...ts. Teachers are successful in motivating pupils to work hard in the great majority of lessons.

There are, however, occasions when pupils' enthusiasm drops because their time is not used as effectively as it should be, particularly at the beginning of lessons. Pupils behave well in class and around the school. The vast majority are increasingly able to manage their own behaviour, gaining understanding that they are responsible for the choices they make about the way they conduct themselves.

The leadership and management of the school are good and there are some significant strengths. The most notable is the vigour with which leaders and staff pursue a vision of excellence. This emanates from the determined and dynamic leadership of the headteacher, but permeates all levels of the school, including the pupils.

There is good emphasis given to the successful improvement of teaching and learning. However, the school attempts a large number of initiatives simultaneously. As a result, actions are not always sufficiently prioritised to have the maximum impact on pupils' learning and progress.

Information about the school

This smallerthan most primary school serves its local area and a number of pupils travel to the school daily from further afield. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. All speak English as their first language.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. An average proportion of pupils are disabled or have a wide range of special educational needs. Pupils' special educational needs include specific and moderate learning, speech, language and communication difficulties.

Pupils, including children in the Reception Year, are taught in classes covering two age groups. The school meets the government's current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. There is a breakfast club on the same site as the school which is not managed by the school's governing body.