Holywell CofE Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils' achievement is outstanding in many lessons and over time they make excellent progress. This is because teaching is outstanding. Teachers have high expectations of pupils and plan exciting, interesting tasks to engage and motivate them.

Children in Reception make rapid progress, particularly in developing their relationships and listening skills. Staff teach phonics (linking letters and sounds) exceptionally well. Outdoor learning is a major strength.

Behaviour in lessons and around school is outstanding and pupils feel safe. All arrive on time. Attendance is consistently above average.

Leadership and man...agement are outstanding. The new headteacher is supported by a well-established and experienced team of teachers who identify the right priorities for improvement by regularly checking on teaching and pupils' progress. Senior leaders and governors have brought about rapid improvements in teaching and in pupils' achievement.

Parents are overwhelmingly supportive and say that the school has gone from strength to strength. Governors are keen to help the school to improve and have much expertise to offer. Their regular visits mean that they know how well the school is performing.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school and there are two age-groups in each of the five Key Stage 1 and 2 classes. The Reception class has children of Reception age only. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is well below average.

Very few speak English as an additional language and all are fluent in English. The proportion of pupils supported by additional government funding through the pupil premium is low. In this school, it only applies to the few pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average. The proportion who are supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

A breakfast club and after-school club, organised and managed by the governing body, is available during term time. These are included in this inspection. A new headteacher joined the school in September 2011.

Also at this postcode