Pierrepont Gamston Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

Pierrepont Gamston is a good school. Pupils make good progress as a result of good teaching.

Strong and determined leadership ensures that pupils develop well both academically and personally in a safe and secure environment. The school is not outstanding because whilst there is much good teaching there is little that is outstanding. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage also make good progress but there are some short-comings in the provision.

All groups of pupils including disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, usually make good progress overall in all subjects. Attainment is above average in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils are not always grouped by ability... for phonics, and occasionally the progress of less-able pupils is slower than others.

Teachers adapt activities well to meet the learning needs of all pupils, but a challenging pace of learning is not consistently maintained throughout all lessons. This is because questioning is not always sharp enough, and activities are sometimes too prescriptive. There is good marking of pupils' work in English, but marking in mathematics and other subjects is not as helpful.

Information and communication technology is used well to develop pupils' research skills. Pupils' typically behave well and have positive attitudes to learning. All have a clear understanding of how to keep safe and good relationships ensure the school is a harmonious community.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a notable strength. Leaders including the governing body have a shared vision to improve outcomes for pupils. Performance management is effective and a comprehensive programme for monitoring teaching leads to the successful professional development of staff.

Middle leaders are becoming more accountable for the quality of work in their areas of responsibility. However, as yet they do not rigorously evaluate the impact of their work on pupils' achievement.

Information about the school

This is an average-sized primary school.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, including those pupils supported at school action plus and with a statement of special educational needs, is well below average. The large majority of pupils are of White British heritage and the proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is low. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught in a Reception class. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school has achieved a number of awards including the International Schools Award and Healthy School's status.