Great Witley CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. In a relatively short time, the sterling work of the headteacher, well supported by the staff team, the local authority and the governing body, has led to considerable improvements in the quality of teaching, assessment and tracking systems and, hence, in pupils' progress.

Teachers promote learning well and demonstrate good subject knowledge. Pupils generally achieve well and standards at the end of Year 6 are frequently above average in English and mathematics. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are outstanding, and these contribute strongly to the good learning in most lessons.

Pupils say they feel safe in school and are aware of the diff...erent forms bullying can take and how to avoid it. Pupils thoroughly enjoy school and this is reflected in their above average levels of attendance. Provision in the Reception class is good and children make a good start in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Children are confident, inquisitive about the world around them and respond well to the good range of stimulating activities provided. Pupils are treated with respect and as individuals in an atmosphere of care and support. Pupils enjoy a variety of exciting additional activities throughout the school year, often linked to their class topic, including visits, visitors and residential stays.

The significant improvements made in the last year by the new headteacher gives the school a good capacity for sustained improvement in the future. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Just occasionally, teachers do not provide work at the right level for all pupils and, in a small minority of lessons, the pace of learning slows after a good brisk start. Staff with responsibility for subject areas are not yet sufficiently involved in improving standards in their subject.

Information about this school

The school is much smaller than most other primary schools. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils eligible for free school meals and other specific groups) is below the national average. An above-average proportion of pupils join the school at other than the normal time, mid-year and mid-key stage.

Half of the current Year 6 cohort of 16 pupils, for example, joined the school after Reception, with a significant proportion joining in Key Stage 2. Pupils are organised in mixed year group classes across the school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs who are supported at school action is below the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average, although particularly high in some year groups. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The headteacher took over responsibility for leading the school in September 2011.

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