St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Since the school became an academy in September 2013, pupils' standards have risen rapidly and consistently. The achievements of all pupils are outstanding, including those who are disadvantaged, as well as disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs. Children in the early years begin to make very good progress from the moment they start school.

Staff skilfully provide children with a vibrant and interesting environment for learning, both indoors and outdoors. The headteacher and senior leadership team provide very determined and focused direction. All staff work extremely well together as a team to maintain high standards... in all aspects of the school's work.

The governing body is ambitious for everyone in the school. It regularly checks how well everyone is working. Governors make sure that all resources are used to great effect to help pupils achieve as much as possible.

They support school leaders well in ensuring that the quality of teaching is outstanding. Behaviour is exemplary in lessons and around school. Pupils are very proud to be at St Michael's and are excellent ambassadors for their academy.

Teachers plan lessons which capture the interest of their pupils. The teachers' high levels of professionalism, enthusiasm and subject knowledge mean that lessons inspire and challenge all the pupils to learn. The curriculum provides a wide variety of learning experiences and opportunities for all age groups.

It contributes extremely successfully to the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of the pupils. Pupils say that they feel extremely safe at school. Much is done to promote a family atmosphere and pupils appreciate that they are known very well by all the staff.

The vast majority of parents and carers who spoke to the inspection team or responded to the online survey expressed a very high degree of confidence and trust in the academy and in the teachers. Teachers carefully check their pupils work. However, the most-able in Key Stage 1 do not always act upon suggestions made by their teacher.

Information about this school

St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy converted to become an academy school on 1 September 2013. The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The majority of pupils attending the school are of White British heritage.

The proportion of disabled pupils or those who have special educational needs is broadly average. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium (additional government funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children who are looked after) is about half of the national average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

Children start the school's early years provision in two Reception classes on a full-time basis. Other pupils in the school are taught in six single-aged classes. The school is a member of the St Christopher's Multi-Academy Trust.

This academy trust comprises in total five primary schools. A board of trust directors oversees the work of the academy. The governance of each school is undertaken by its own local governing board.

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