Pennycross Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and deputy headteacher have a clear vision for the school and this is shared by the staff and governors. Everyone knows what is needed to be done to make the school an even better place for children to learn in and the leaders of the school are rigorous in their drive to achieve this.

Since the previous inspection, the headteacher, deputy headteacher, middle leaders and governors have instilled a culture of high expectations. All staff and pupils are valued. As a result, the school is improving rapidly.

Standards achieved by pupils and the quality of teaching are good overall. The quality of teaching in Years 5 and 6 does ...not yet match the best in the rest of the school. Senior and middle leaders implement a curriculum that motivates all pupils to learn well.

The curriculum is wide-ranging and focuses on enabling pupils to achieve well in the key skills of literacy and numeracy. It is varied and is enriched by arts, sports, outdoor learning and community-focused activities well. All groups of pupils, including the most able pupils, disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities now make good progress as a result of improving attendance.

Pupils who are struggling with their learning benefit from a wide range of high-quality interventions to support their better progress. Provision in the early years enables children to make good progress from low starting points. The dedicated governing body provides very strong support and challenge in equal measure.

Governors ensure that pupil premium funding is used effectively to raise pupils' standards and diminish differences in achievement between disadvantaged pupils in the school and other pupils nationally. The promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is strong. Diversity is celebrated and pupils are taught about their beliefs and those of others well.

As a result, pupils have a deep understanding of other cultures.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Pennycross Primary School is an average-sized primary school.

Most pupils are from White British backgrounds and most pupils speak English as their first language. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for the pupil premium funding is significantly above the national average. The proportion of pupils receiving support for special educational needs and/or disabilities is above the national average.

The proportion with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is in line with the national average. Pupils in the early years are taught in two Reception classes and attend full time. The school runs a breakfast club.