Parkgate Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The headteacher provides inspirational leadership.

She motivates staff and pupils to excel in all that they do. Leaders at all levels promote high expectations and this ensures that all staff take every opportunity to raise pupils' achievement. The school has a vision for a 'happy dynamic community where every child meets their full potential'.

This is evident throughout all aspects of school life. Governors, leaders, staff and pupils all work exceptionally hard to create a culture which reflects this vision. Pupils' achievement is improving rapidly in all core subjects.

Evidence in books demonstrates that most pupils are... making exceptional progress this academic year. Teaching and learning are of a consistently high quality across the school. Teachers plan their lessons thoroughly to challenge and meet the learning needs of all their pupils.

Pupils understand how to improve their work because of the considerable and effective advice, guidance and support they receive from their teachers. Support staff are very well deployed and are involved in all aspects of planning. They help to monitor the progress of pupils and ensure that they understand the learning.

Pupils' attitudes to their learning and their behaviour are outstanding. They try hard, persevere and enjoy their learning. Pupils work very well together and help each other to improve.

The school is inclusive. Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language are nurtured, valued and supported. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

The school's curriculum provides rich and vibrant experiences that develop pupils' scientific and modern foreign language skills in particular. The school engages well with parents and the local community. Parents and carers are very positive about the school and the care and support that their children receive.

The governors are experienced and knowledgeable and have an excellent understanding of the school's performance. They are frequent visitors to the school and, consequently, are able to support and challenge school leaders effectively. Pupils' progress in writing is not as impressive as it is in other subjects.

Information about this school

Parkgate Junior School is average in size. The majority of pupils are from ethnic minority families and the proportion who speak English as an additional language is well above the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by pupil premium funding is slightly below average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above average. The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics at the end of Year 6.