Loughton School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Pupils achieve well.

Since the previous inspection, rates of progress across the year groups have increased so that pupils now reach above average standards at the end of Year 6 in English and mathematics. The school has good systems for keeping a close eye on how well all pupils are doing. Pupils needing additional support are quickly identified and helped to stay on track to reach their targets.

Disabled pupils, those with special educational needs and those who are eligible for the pupil premium benefit from good support. They therefore make good progress. Teaching is usually good and some is outstanding.

Teaching subjects th...rough interesting topics and themes motivates pupils to learn with enthusiasm and enjoyment. Strong leadership, including that of the governing body, has been central to maintaining and building on the school's good performance since the previous inspection. Thorough processes of self-evaluation and development planning have resulted in improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' achievement.

Pupils have a comprehensive understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. Attendance is above average. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding.

Pupils have exemplary attitudes to learning and to all aspects of school life. Parents who expressed an opinion are overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of the school's work. Almost all would recommend the school to others.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Not enough teaching is outstanding and a small proportion requires improvement. Some teachers do not always plan activities that are suitable for every pupil's needs. Consequently, not all pupils make the rapid progress of which they are capable.

When marking pupils' work, teachers frequently give pupils useful guidance on how to improve. However, they do not always ensure that pupils then act on their comments quickly enough and, therefore, they do not always learn from their mistakes.

Information about this school

This is a well-above-average-sized junior school.

A below-average proportion of pupils are eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for children in the care of the local authority and for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is below average. The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average.

An above-average proportion of pupils come from minority ethnic backgrounds. The school does not use any alternative provision (lessons that take place regularly away from school). The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

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