The Parkgate Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders are an excellent team. They are aspirational and have high ambitions for every pupil.

Leaders have accurately identified the strengths and weaknesses which exist in school. They are rapidly improving the already good quality of education pupils receive. Leaders have cultivated an effective staff team.

Staff are proud to work at the school and value the support of leaders. The school is inclusive. The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and for those who are at risk of exclusion, is good.

The leadership of English and mathematics is effective. Most pupils make strong progr...ess in reading, writing and mathematics. Trustees, together with the chief executive officer, hold leaders to account effectively.

They have a precise understanding of the performance of the school. There is an effective safeguarding culture in school. Leaders are tenacious in seeking, and providing, support for vulnerable pupils and families.

Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve in English and mathematics. Teachers and teaching assistants have good subject knowledge and know pupils well. They use this knowledge to provide highly effective, tailored feedback to pupils.

Pupils enjoy coming to school. They are tolerant, polite and friendly. Pupils behave well.

The leadership of the early years is good. The quality of teaching and learning in the nursery class is excellent. The curriculum is broad, balanced and engaging.

However, the curriculum for science is underdeveloped. Some pupils do not have a deep understanding in this subject. The provision for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is improving.

However, some older pupils do not have a secure knowledge of the other cultures and faiths in modern Britain. Teachers match effectively work to the abilities of most pupils. However, assessment information is not always used well to provide work that meets the needs of some lower-attaining pupils.

The quality of pupils' writing is rapidly improving. However, some teachers do not consistently address weaknesses in pupils' spelling and handwriting.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school.

The headteacher of the school took up post in December 2017. Many leaders and teachers are new to the school following significant staffing changes in the last two years. The school is governed by the board of trustees and is part of The Forge Trust.

The proportion of pupils with SEND is below the national average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well above the national average. The proportions of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds and of pupils who speak English as an additional language are well below the national averages.