St John’s CofE Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The principal and vice-principal have a thorough understanding of the quality of teaching and learning across the school. They are well supported by their middle leaders and the multi-academy trust. Outcomes are rising.

Pupils' starting points on entry to the school are lower than typically expected. Good teaching enables pupils to progress well. Leaders are developing the curriculum.

This is particularly the case in science, history and computing, where pupils' knowledge and understanding develop well. The teaching of reading is improving. Pupils develop their skills through a half-termly class text which enables pupils to gain an in-dep...th understanding of the themes within it.

The teaching of mathematics is strong. Pupils are given a range of opportunities to use and apply their mathematical skills, solve problems and reason. The school needs to increase the proportion of pupils reaching the higher standards in writing in key stage 2.

Pupils behave well in lessons. Most pupils have positive attitudes to learning. The early years is well led.

Staff in Reception have positive relationships with children. However, not all children are fully engaged in their phonics lessons. The pupil premium is put to good use.

Disadvantaged pupils benefit from the school's strategies. The physical education (PE) and sport premium has been effective. Pupils receive a range of physical and sport-related opportunities, both within lessons and as extra-curricular activities.

The local academy committee (LAC) of St Chad's multi-academy trust provides appropriate challenge for teachers. They know the areas they need to focus on to secure further improvements to outcomes. The safeguarding culture within the school is effective.

Staff and LAC members take their responsibilities seriously. Pupils have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

Information about this school

The school is led by a principal and vice-principal since it joined St Chad's multi-academy trust on 1 September 2016.

This is the school's first inspection since the predecessor school was judged to be good in 2013. The board of trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction of its academies. The trustees employ a chief executive officer (CEO) to oversee and work with all of the multi-academy trust's academies.

The CEO is currently the chair of the LAC but a new chair is taking over in the autumn. At a local level, the LAC of the trust board holds the principal to account and monitors the day-to-day running of the school. A large proportion of pupils come from military families who are employed at the local Ministry of Defence base.