Orrell Holgate Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

The success of this good school lies in warm relationships and a shared drive to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the next stage of their education. Parents and carers unanimously agree that they are happy with their children's school experience.

Pupils say they enjoy school and this is reflected in their consistently high attendance. Their respectful and considerate behaviour makes a significant contribution to their learning. Pupils speak positively about the adults who care for them and the teachers who make their learning fun.

Their good attitudes to learning and their positive relationships with each other mean they fully live up to the school motto and 'Together Eve...ryone Achieves More'. Children enter Reception with skills and knowledge that are broadly typical for their age. They make good progress across the school and leave Year 6 with attainment levels that are typically above the national average.

Although Year 6 attainment levels fell in 2011 to match the national average, inspection evidence confirms the school has made a swift recovery and is on track to match previous good performance. Pupils' achievement by the end of Key Stage 1 remains broadly average. However, recent improvements in planning and more targeted teaching mean pupils are making better progress from their starting points.

Pupils' progress is inconsistent across lower Key Stage 2 because some gaps in pupils' skills are not always tackled well enough. Pupils' achievement in English has improved considerably since the previous inspection. This is because they have greater opportunities to write at length and to practise their writing skills across a range of subjects.

More-able pupils achieve as well as their peers. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities make consistently good progress because of the effective support they receive. As a result, gaps in achievement, particularly in English, are being successfully narrowed.

All teaching is characterised by warm and trusting relationships. Teachers use assessment information well to plan imaginative and relevant lessons which meet pupils' needs and interests. Teachers' marking of pupils' work is thorough and celebrates achievement.

In some classes, pupils receive detailed guidance on how to improve their work further. However, this practice is not consistent across year groups or in all subject areas. Leaders and managers have driven forward improvements since the previous inspection, while maintaining a strong focus on pupils' personal development and well-being.

As a result, pupils' achievement in mathematics remains strong and their attainment and progress in English, particularly writing, have improved. The systems to check on the work of the school and the progress pupils make are firmly established. However, the findings from these monitoring activities are not always used with enough rigour to identify whole-school gaps in achievement or to address some remaining inconsistencies in teaching.

Nonetheless, the school's successful track record plus a common sense of purpose among the school community and accurate self-evaluation mean the capacity for sustained improvement is good.

Information about the school

This is a slightly smaller than the average-sized primary school. The vast majority of pupils are from White British heritage.

The number of pupils from minority ethnic groups is low. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is also below average.

The number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and the proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs are below the national picture. The school has received a number of awards, including: Active School Award; Leading Aspect Award and National Healthy School status. The school has also been designated a National College Leadership Development School.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms