Holmer CofE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The headteacher and senior leaders provide clear, principled leadership that is appreciated by pupils, parents and carers, and staff.

They are uncompromising in their commitment to provide the highest quality education for all pupils. Expectations and standards are high. The curriculum is thoughtfully planned and carefully implemented.

It is supplemented by a wide range of high-quality activities and experiences. Together, these make an exceptionally strong contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. The school is an inclusive and welcoming community.

Staff provide exceptional support... for pupils with additional needs. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language (EAL) thrive. Governors provide strong strategic leadership.

They support and challenge leaders very effectively. However, the school's governance structure does not conform with current government guidance. Pupils make very strong progress in all years and across all subjects.

Attainment at the end of key stage 1 and key stage 2 is consistently well above the national average. Teaching is highly effective throughout the school. Teachers expect the best from pupils, who rise to these high expectations.

Pupils debate and discuss ideas with great maturity. They produce high-quality written work. Teachers use questions very well to deepen pupils' understanding of their work.

Staff are quick to spot when pupils are struggling. They provide timely feedback and extra support to ensure that pupils do not fall behind. Relationships are strong throughout the school.

Pupils like and trust their teachers and teaching assistants. Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and are keen to do their best. They thoroughly enjoy school and attendance is consistently well above average.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary, both in lessons and at other times of the day. They are confident, articulate, polite and courteous. Older pupils readily take on leadership responsibilities and support younger pupils.

The early years provides children with an excellent start to school. Clear leadership and highly effective teaching mean that children make consistently strong progress in all areas of learning. They are very well prepared to start Year 1.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized Church of England school that became an academy in December 2011. The most recent section 48 inspection of the school's religious character took place in February 2017. Most pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below average. The school has more than 30 pupils who speak EAL.

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