Shakespeare Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Children make an excellent start to their school life in the Early Years Foundation Stage where they benefit from excellent teaching and a stimulating curriculum. The school successfully builds on this excellent start resulting in pupils' outstanding achievement by the time they leave Year 6.

High proportions of pupils are making better progress than similar pupils nationally. The quality of teaching is often outstanding and never less than good. Teachers and other adults have very high expectations of all learners.

They know pupils' needs exceptionally well and encourage them to develop independent learning skills. Most marking i...s of a high quality but, occasionally, it does not make clear the next steps that pupils need to make to improve their work. Behaviour within classrooms and around the school is exemplary.

Pupils' personal and academic skills are developed and celebrated. Consequently, pupils are enthusiastic and determined learners who form excellent relationships with each other and with adults. Their enjoyment of school life is reflected in their above average attendance and excellent punctuality.

Pupils who are disabled and those with special educational needs are extremely well provided for and achieve very well in this fully inclusive school. The headteacher's excellent leadership has ensured that the outstanding practice reported at the last inspection has been sustained and improved upon. She is strongly supported by the leadership team, very knowledgeable and effective governors and by staff at every level in the school.

An excellent curriculum is very well matched to pupils' needs and the school provides an impressive range of enrichment opportunities through clubs, visits, visitors and residential trips. The school has excellent relationships with parents and the wider community. Parents have great confidence in the school.

They say that their children are safe, well-cared for and enjoy school.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is broadly average.

(The pupil premium is additional government funding for children in local authority care, children from service families and those known to be eligible for free school meals). The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds and those who speak English as an additional language are well-below national averages. The proportion of pupils who are supported through school action is twice the national average.

The proportion of pupils supported by school action plus or who have a statement of special educational needs is broadly average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics. The school has gained an Artsmark Gold award as well as an Eco award for promoting activities that develop positive attitudes to the environment.