Heacham Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The new leadership team has taken decisive action to improve the quality of education in the school. Leaders at all levels are involved in creating the right curriculum for the pupils.

Reading has been a high focus in this academic year and, consequently, pupils are now making good progress. They are excited about reading and enjoy using the well-appointed library. Pupils attain in line with national averages in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2.

Pupils make strong progress in writing. However, in the past, progress has not been as strong in reading and mathematics. Pupils' well-being is central and the staff have... strong, positive relationships with those in their care.

The forest school provision is a crucial asset in this; pupils develop strong teamwork, resourcefulness and resilience, with activities closely linked to the core curriculum. There are many opportunities for pupils to experience activities beyond the school site. They take part in joint events with the infant and high schools, and perform at venues locally and further afield, which gives pupils confidence and performance skills.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well integrated in the classroom and receive good-quality support to help them have access to the same learning as their peers. The multi-academy trust (MAT) has reformed the local governing body (LGB), which is now shared between the school and its feeder infant school. Governors are clear about the school's priorities, and they provide a strong level of challenge and support to leaders.

The teaching of mathematics has had a recent emphasis on number fluency. Pupils are confident with basic calculation as a result of this focus. Teachers are beginning to encourage more reasoning and to develop pupils' ability to explain their thinking.

Teachers link activities in all subjects, wherever possible, to the engaging topics they plan. Leaders are starting the process of planning how pupils will build on knowledge in each subject from year-to-year.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average junior school.

The percentage of pupils with SEND is above average. The school is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, which it joined in 2016. The school shares an executive headteacher and executive deputy headteacher with Heacham Infant School and Snettisham Primary School.

The local governing body is shared with Heacham Infant School. The trustees have an overview of central budgeting, senior staff and policies, but most other responsibilities are delegated to the local governing body. The school holds the gold School Games Mark.