Sandon Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The inspirational headteacher is a key driving force behind the exceptional quality of education. Her compelling vision is shared by leaders, governors and staff.

As a result, a culture of high expectations and innovation permeates the school. Other senior and middle leaders are highly effective. They focus relentlessly on improving teaching.

Leaders have created an ethos in which pupils have a deep sense of pride and identity. Pupils bring alive the 'Sandon rock' motto of 'Respect yourself, respect others and take responsibility for your actions.' The trust and the governing body are astute, knowledgeable and committed.

...They provide a high level of support and challenge to leaders. Pupils of all abilities make excellent and sustained progress across the school. On entry to the early years, starting points are often below typical levels.

By the end of key stages 1 and 2, the proportion of pupils achieving the expected standards are above national levels. Disadvantaged pupils experience extremely strong teaching. They make exceptional progress, often better than others nationally.

Teachers are forward-thinking and highly creative. They love teaching, know their pupils as individuals and provide precise support. Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities make high rates of progress.

While the additional support these pupils receive is excellent, it is not measured for impact with sufficient effectiveness. Teachers' subject knowledge in English and mathematics is a strength. As a result, pupils are confident and precise in their reading, writing and mathematical work.

The curriculum is packed full of relevant and meaningful activities that fire pupils' imaginations. The on-site farm and reptile room are used incredibly well to deepen pupils' learning across the curriculum. The teaching of music is not as strong as other curriculum subjects.

Children get off to a flying start in the early years. Inspirational teaching provides children with the foundation upon which to thrive. They are exceptionally well prepared for Year 1.

Leaders and staff have formed an impressive partnership with parents. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and support their pupils with learning at home. Pupils' social, emotional and personal development is outstanding.

Relationships between staff and pupils are superb. Consequently, pupils are friendly, curious and extremely well mannered.

Information about this school

The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish. The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium funding is well above the national average.

A large majority of pupils come from a White British background. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is similar to the national average.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics for pupils by the end of Year 6. The school is a converter academy and part of the Sandon Trust, which includes Sandon Primary Academy and The Grange Nursery School. The headteacher also leads The Grange Nursery School.

The nursery school is inspected separately. The headteacher is a national leader of education. There is a local governing body at the school which takes responsibility for challenging and supporting leaders to develop educational outcomes for pupils, as well as being a link to the local community.

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