Priory CofE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school.

Pupils achieve well. They make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics and are rapidly making up ground that they have lost in the past. Increasing proportions of the most-able pupils are reaching the higher standards, particularly in reading and mathematics.

The curriculum offers pupils many memorable learning experiences. Teachers plan effectively so that pupils use their skills in reading, writing and mathematics in many subjects. Teaching is good.

Teachers question effectively and have high expectations of pupils' work and behaviour. The headteacher is relentless in her drive for improvements in teaching and achiev...ement. She is strongly supported by highly effective senior leaders.

Staff are fully supportive of the school's direction and ambitions. Leaders check the quality of teaching frequently. They organise highly effective training and well-targeted support for teachers.

As a result, pupils' achievement has improved markedly. The interim executive board is assiduous in holding school leaders to account for all aspects of their work. This adds considerable strength to the drive for improvements.

Pupils' behaviour is good. They feel safe and valued. They are proud of their school and demonstrate care and respect for each other.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Due to a legacy of weak teaching, pupils' achievement has been low in recent years. While all pupils are now making good progress, a few still have to make up lost ground. Pupils' progress in writing is not as strong as in other subjects.

Information about this school

Priory Church of England Primary School is much larger than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds and speak English as their first language. A below average proportion of pupils are disadvantaged and eligible for support through the pupil premium.

This additional government funding is provided for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is in-line with the national average. The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is below national average.

The early years is made up of a Nursery and two Reception classes. Children attend these full time. The Link Club provides before- and after-school provision and is managed by the IEB.

The school meets the government's current floor standards which are the minimum expectations for the attainment and progress of pupils by the end of Year 6 in reading, writing and mathematics. The school was inspected in April 2013 and judged to require special measures. Since then, it has been monitored five times by Ofsted.

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