Holy Trinity Church of England Academy, Rothwell

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have an accurate picture of the school's strengths and weaknesses. They have taken swift and effective action to improve the quality of teaching and learning so that it is at least good. Outcomes are improving.

Over the past year, pupils' progress in reading and phonics has rapidly improved. In 2018, the proportion of pupils attaining the expected standard in reading at the end of key stage 2 was above the national average. Children get off to a good start in Reception.

They make good progress from their different starting points. The proportion of children reaching a good level of development has increased over the past two years.... Governors and executive officers from Abbey Multi Academy Trust are effective in their roles and know the school well.

They use their wide range of skills and expertise to hold school leaders to account. Leaders recognise that in the early stages of learning to read, children do not always have access to reading books that are closely matched to their phonic knowledge. Pupils behave well in and around school.

They respond well to the school's behaviour policy. Pupils are well mannered and demonstrate positive attitudes to learning. Senior leaders and specialist leaders from the trust have made a significant investment in the development of the leaders for English and mathematics.

Although they are new to their role, these leaders play a key part in developing the quality of teaching across school. However, their knowledge of analysing and interpreting pupils' performance information is not well developed. Although the presentation of pupils' work is improving, it is still too variable.

Although the curriculum is broad and balanced, leaders know that some pupils, including the disadvantaged and those of lower ability, find it hard to remember important knowledge and skills, especially in mathematics. This is partly because the sequencing of learning is not always logical or appropriately challenging. Safeguarding in this school is effective.

Leaders, staff and governors are very well trained and vigilant. High-quality policies and procedures protect all pupils.

Information about this school

The school became a sponsored academy in 2014.

The school was placed with a new sponsor, the Abbey Multi Academy Trust, in May 2017. The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The school is of Church of England religious character.

The last diocesan inspection, a section 48 inspection, took place on 20 June 2016. There is one Reception class in early years. The proportion of pupils with SEND is slightly above the national average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is above the national average. Most pupils are White British. The school runs a daily out-of-hours school club.