Thorpe Hesley Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders have worked as a united team to create an exceptional, stimulating and purposeful learning environment for all pupils. Leaders' ambition to create a primary school to be proud of through the amalgamation of the infant and junior school has been realised. Pupils' progress has accelerated considerably across all year groups this year.

From broadly typical starting points, pupils make great gains in their learning, particularly in mathematics, where a high proportion of pupils reach higher standards. Leaders agree that more pupils need to achieve higher standards in writing. A dynamic curriculum gives pupils opportunities to shine and... make strong progress across a wide range of subjects.

Pupils flourish and leave school very well prepared for the next stage of their education. Staff are highly motivated and have strong subject knowledge. Their excellent teaching and high expectations have a direct impact on strong outcomes for pupils.

The governing body gives tenacious support and challenge to leaders. Governors know the school well and make frequent checks on the effectiveness of leaders' work to improve pupils' outcomes. Governors take time and care to celebrate pupils' achievements and make sure that they communicate well with parents.

Children get a fabulous start to school life in the early years. An extremely stimulating, highly organised environment, rich with learning opportunities for all children, supports them in making strong progress. Pupils' outcomes in phonics have risen considerably due to a consistent, engaging approach from all staff.

Pupils who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are extremely well catered for. The team around these pupils provides care, support and guidance that are first class. As a result, these pupils make strong progress.

Pupils' behaviour is excellent. Their attitudes to learning and the pride they take in their work are exemplary. Parents are highly supportive and positive about the school.

Effective communication means that they know what their children are learning and that they are making excellent progress. Most importantly, they say, their children are very happy. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted very well.

Pupils are reflective, know about different cultures and are developing attitudes and values that will support them well in becoming good citizens.

Information about this school

Thorpe Hesley Primary School is much larger than the average-sized primary school. The school opened in September 2014, when Thorpe Hesley Junior School and Thorpe Hesley Infant School amalgamated.

The school has a smaller than national proportion of pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for support through the pupil premium funding is below average. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is below the national average.

The school operates two breakfast clubs. A small number of pupils attend alternative, specialist provision throughout the week. The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website.

The early years comprises a part-time Nursery and three Reception classes. The school holds several nationally recognised awards, including the Basic Skills Quality Mark (third accreditation) and the Primary Science Quality Mark (silver). The school met the government's floor standards for 2016, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6.