Olney Middle School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Pupils achieve well, especially in reading and mathematics. Their ability to apply mathematical skills to real-life situations is particularly strong.

Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They feel secure and happy. They enjoy learning.

Pupils have good opportunities to develop their literacy and numeracy skills as well as a rich and varied range of opportunities to develop their experience of practical subjects such as art, design, music and food technology. Teaching is good in most lessons. Some is outstanding.

Teachers use group work and discussion well to help pupils to learn effectively, as well as developing... their social skills well. Leaders have ensured that improving the quality of teaching is a high priority. This has resulted in the development of lessons that are interesting and include a variety of activities to encourage pupils' learning.

The focus given to writing is leading to some good examples of report writing and other writing styles, especially for younger pupils. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Standards in writing are still not as high as those reached in reading and numeracy. Some more able pupils are not stretched enough.

Although the majority of pupils with special education needs are making good progress, a few are making only average progress. Leaders have a good understanding of the progress that individual pupils are making but their systems for tracking how well all pupils are doing over a longer period of time are not rigorous enough.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average-sized middle school (although it provides education for pupils within the Junior age range).

There are three or four classes per year group. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average.

The proportion of pupils who have a statement of special educational needs and who receive enhanced support in school (school action plus) is well below average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (extra government funding to support disadvantaged pupils) is much lower than the national average. In 2012, the school's results in national tests for 11-year-olds met the government's floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.