Didcot Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The headteacher, ably supported by senior leaders, is unwavering in her determination to provide the very best possible school experience for every pupil. Governance is clearly structured, well informed and highly effective.

Trust representatives and school leaders work as a cohesive team, using their considerable skills to drive the school forward. The depth and quality of leadership, at all levels, is excellent. Middle and subject leaders are an effective team.

Staff are supported and trained well. Their morale is high. The curriculum inspires staff and pupils because it is vibrant and thoughtfully planned.

Pupils' skil...ls, knowledge and understanding are developed exceptionally well across a range of carefully interconnected curriculum areas. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education runs seamlessly as a unifying thread through all aspects of school life. All members of the school community understand and aspire to model the school's motto: 'be kind, be brilliant'.

As a result, the school is a harmonious, high-achieving environment, which reflects fundamental British values. Teachers and teaching assistants know pupils well. Teachers use this understanding and their strong subject knowledge to plan activities that are expertly matched to pupils' abilities in all subjects.

Teachers' and teaching assistants' use of questioning is highly effective. Pupils are happy, motivated and excited to learn. They demonstrate excellent attitudes, and enthusiastically rise to the high expectations set for them.

Children get off to a great start in early years because of the outstanding leadership and provision. Children settle happily into school, thrive, and are well prepared for Year 1. Across the school, current pupils, including those with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND), and disadvantaged pupils, are making very good progress from their starting points to attain well across the curriculum.

Nevertheless, leaders rightly aspire to ensuring that more disadvantaged pupils attain at higher standards. Parents are highly supportive of the school. All those who completed the Ofsted survey, Parent View, would recommend the school.

Parents and school leaders are keen to explore ways of further developing their effective partnerships.

Information about this school

The school opened on a purpose-built site in 2016. It continues to grow by taking on a new Reception cohort each year.

This means the school will expand to include Year 6 pupils by 2021. Currently the school caters for pupils up to Year 4. The school is part of Gems Learning Trust.

The proportion of pupils who are entitled to the pupil premium is below the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is also above average.

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