Katherine Semar Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Attainment continues to be high, year on year, in English and particularly in mathematics. The most able pupils reach the highest levels of which they are capable and achieve extremely well.

Pupils make outstanding progress in English and mathematics, but also in other subjects such as French and physical education (PE). Disadvantaged pupils, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs all make the same excellent progress as their classmates. Much of the teaching is outstanding, and it is rarely less than good.

Teachers show that they have high expectations of what all pupils can achieve. High-quality marking in ...exercise books gives pupils a route to excellence. Pupils respond well to the helpful targets set as a matter of course.

Small-group tuition by teaching assistants is excellent. Occasionally their support is less effective during whole-class teaching. Any slowing in progress is identified promptly and pupils are given top-quality support to help them catch up quickly.

Pupils are prepared extremely well for the next stage of their education because the school nurtures their talents highly effectively. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are motivated, engaged and excited by their teachers.

They thoroughly enjoy school and feel safe. All staff are proud of the school and morale is high. This is because they have full confidence in the leadership of the headteacher.

All parents who responded to the online survey would recommend the school to others. The governors have worked hard to improve their own performance and as a result are able to challenge and support the school effectively. However, they are aware that they could engage more fully with pupils, parents and all staff in the school.

Information about this school

The school is broadly average in size for a junior school. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds with the remainder coming from a variety of different heritages. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average, but the proportion supported at school action plus or through a statement of special educational needs is above average. The proportion of students supported by the pupil premium (additional funding for certain groups, in this case for those known to be eligible for free school meals) is below average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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