Victoria Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have taken decisive steps to address the alarmingly low standards seen in 2016. Their decisive actions have ensured that outcomes in mathematics and, in particular, writing are improving strongly. Despite considerable improvement from the low outcomes seen in 2016, outcomes overall still require improvement.

The strong improvements made in writing and mathematics are less evident in end of key stage reading results. Unvalidated data for 2018 shows that Year 6 pupils' attainment and progress in reading were still below that of other pupils nationally. Outcomes for disadvantaged pupils are improving because leaders use the pupil premium fund...ing effectively.

Their progress is improving year-on-year towards that of other pupils nationally, particularly in writing and mathematics. As a result of the improvements that leaders have made, teaching is effective in enabling pupils to learn well. On a few occasions, teaching does not provide enough challenge for the most able pupils, or fully meet the needs of pupils in Year 3 who need to catch up.

This means that some of these pupils do not make the progress of which they are capable. Leaders and governors have developed an exciting curriculum that provides pupils with a wide range of experiences in school and in the wider area. Work in pupils' topic books shows that they practise their reading, writing and mathematical skills across a range of subjects.

Leaders ensure that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. For example, they promote pupils' awareness of equalities and they ensure that the curriculum challenges stereotypes. Pupils develop well socially, morally, culturally and spiritually.

Their teachers help them to understand and value difference and diversity. Pupils develop a sense of citizenship and learn to take responsibility in preparation for the next stage in their education. Pupils conduct themselves well around school.

Attendance is improving rapidly, including that of disadvantaged pupils. This is because of the determined actions that leaders have taken. However, it is still slightly below average, especially for disadvantaged boys.

Leaders and governors have established a very strong culture of safeguarding in which pupils' welfare is prioritised. Pupils say they feel safe in school.

Information about this school

This is a junior school of similar size to an average primary school.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is well-above average. The large majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above average.

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is above average. The executive headteacher is also headteacher of a local community infant school. Most pupils at Victoria Junior School attend this infant school prior to transferring to key stage 2.

The executive headteacher is also a national leader of education. Three members of staff are specialist leaders of education. All contribute to the professional development of teachers in other local schools and to the training of student teachers.