The Duchy School Bradninch

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Attainment in all subjects is well above average for children in early years and pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2. The school has improved in recent years and all groups of pupils achieve outstandingly well.

The most able pupils, disadvantaged pupils in receipt of pupil premium funding, disabled pupils and those with special educational needs all make rapid and excellent progress. Children in early years make outstanding progress in response to high-quality teaching. There is outstanding leadership and management.

The head of school is supported very well by all staff, who are enthusiastic about driving the school forwards. Governors... provide outstanding support for the school and challenge the leadership constructively. The Primary Academies Trust also supports the school very well, providing excellent opportunities for staff to improve their professional skills and for pupils to enjoy increased opportunities in activities such as sport.

The head of school checks the quality of teaching and learning systematically and rigorously, very ably supported by subject and unit leaders. Teaching over time has been outstanding. Pupils respond very well to teachers' high expectations.

Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They love the school and are excellent ambassadors for it in the wider community. Pupils feel very safe and excellently cared for.

They enjoy the wide range of activities which the school provides for them outside lessons. The school strongly promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It also gives them a secure understanding of British values in contemporary society.

The school has an imaginative curriculum, which is very effective in linking various themes and subjects together. Pupils greatly enjoy their lessons. There are several subjects which are particular strengths of the school, including art, science and physical education.

The school, along with other member schools of the Primary Academies Trust, has a strong reputation for its work in supporting other schools on their own paths to improvement.

Information about this school

The Duchy School Bradninch became an academy on 1 September 2013. When its predecessor school, also called the Duchy School Bradninch, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be good.

The school is part of the Primary Academies Trust, comprising eight schools. The Duchy School Bradninch is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Almost all pupils are of White British heritage.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is above average. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is below average, with very few eligible in Year 6. The pupil premium is additional government funding to support pupils known to be eligible for free school meals or who are looked after.

The school meets the current government floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. There are six classes. Children in the Reception class attend school full time.

The school runs a before-school nurture club called 'Little Oaks'. The school holds the Devon Inclusion Award (enhanced level) for its work with children with difficulties in English and mathematics. The head of school and other staff support some other local schools in improving performance.