Pewsey Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good school. It is not yet outstanding because the quality of teaching, particularly in mathematics, is not at an outstanding level to ensure all pupils make consistently strong progress at all times.

Pupils make good progress overall through the school. From a low start, they typically reach average levels of attainment by the time leave school, although in 2011, attainment was above average. However, pupils' progress in mathematics is not yet as consistent as in literacy.

The quality of teaching overall is good, particularly in English. This is because : the school has focused well on improving pupils' skills in reading and writing through the improved teaching of phonics (the soun...ds that letters make) and the regular practice of writing skills in other subjects. Teaching is on occasions less effective in mathematics because pupils are not always rigorously challenged in their thinking.

Marking is inconsistent in helping them to know how to improve and there are not enough opportunities for pupils to practise their mathematical skills across the curriculum. Pupils enjoy learning, behave well and feel safe. They are polite and considerate both in lessons in the playground and around the school.

They have positive attitudes and make a good contribution to their learning in lessons by listening carefully and working hard. Attendance is above the national average. Leadership and management are good.

Senior leaders and managers have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and successfully lead improvements. In particular, the quality of tracking of pupils' progress and the use of this information to respond to any concerns are particularly strong. The management of teaching, including the management of performance, is generally good.

However, the implementation of agreed whole-school improvement strategies is not always checked to ensure that they are being used consistently in every class.

Information about the school

Pewsey Primary is smaller than the average sized primary school. The very large majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds, with a few from a range of minority ethnic groups.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs is higher than the national average, although the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is lower than the national average. Most have moderate learning difficulties, with a smaller proportion that have behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is lower than the national average.

The proportion of pupils who join the school during the year is higher than the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. It has gained the Cut Carbon, Cut Cost award and the Extended Services silver award.