St Nicholas and St Laurence Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well at this school. Pupils of all abilities are constantly challenged and, as a result, make excellent progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The majority achieve at the higher Level 5 in reading.

Children in the Reception class make excellent progress. The proportion who is well prepared to continue their education in Year 1 is above average. Pupils are keen and eager to learn.

They are diligent in lessons and complete activities well, demonstrating a pride in their achievements. Pupils feel safe and know they are safe. They have excellent knowledge of how to stay safe on the interne...t.

They know that there is always someone to talk to if they have any concerns. Teachers use feedback, marking and assessment exceptionally well. Pupils highly value this and say that it really helps them.

Teachers have good knowledge of how to teach each subject. This, combined with their excellent knowledge of the pupils, means progress is rapid as teaching is specific to pupils' needs. Relationships at all levels are excellent.

Pupils can clearly explain how they work together and support each other with learning. The headteacher, senior leaders and governors provide outstanding leadership. There is constant drive and ambition to continually improve which are widely shared by all the staff team and governors.

Middle leaders check the progress of pupils rigorously so that timely, bespoke support is given to pupils when they need it. Music, art, drama and dance are taught creatively by specialist staff. This contributes strongly to the development of pupils as articulate and confident young people by the time they leave.

The headteacher has enabled excellent team work throughout the school and made sure that everyone's skills are used to the best effect. This has led to rapid improvement in teaching and the resulting attainment and progress of pupils in reading, writing and mathematics. Governors are well equipped to hold the school to account and support the rapid improvements.

They frequently check for themselves how well teaching and achievement have improved. The school's mission statement, 'together we hope, together we love, together we learn', strongly reflects the excellent teamwork that lies at the heart of the success at this school. Leaders' excellent practice has yet to be shared widely beyond the school.

Information about this school

This is a smaller-than-average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British origin. The early years provision is full time in the Reception class.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are eligible for pupil premium (additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or in the care of the local authority) is lower than 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 at the end of Year 6.

The proportion of pupils who arrive and leave at times other than would be expected is higher than average, particularly in Years 5 and 6. The school works closely with neighbouring schools through the Chesil partnership. The school is situated on a campus with a secondary school, a special school and a pre-school.