West Pennard 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. By the time they leave, the standards they reach in reading, writing and mathematics are well above national averages.

Standards in reading are particularly high. There are no pupils who are underachieving because extra support is quickly provided for any pupils who start to fall behind. All teaching is at least good and much is outstanding because teachers have high expectations of all pupils, including the least and the most able.

Teaching assistants ask just the right questions to help pupils to make rapid progress in their learning. All pupils and adults get on very well together. Pupils try... hard because they like their teachers and they want to please them.

Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and no time is lost due to low-level disruption. Pupils, teachers and parents and carers agree that the school does all it can to make sure that the school is a safe place in which to learn.

The pupils love their learning because of the interesting way subjects are taught, including enrichment days and special themed weeks. The school's promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is excellent and contributes strongly to the school's very positive approach to all aspects of its work. Leaders and managers are very ambitious for the school.

They are meticulous in making sure that they are doing all they can to help to the school to continue to improve. Parents and carers are exceptionally supportive of the school. They cannot speak highly enough of their children's progress and enjoyment of school.

Governors contribute very effectively through their strong partnership with the headteacher. Governors offer an excellent balance of challenge and support.

Information about this school

West Pennard Church of England Primary School is smaller than the average-sized primary school.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (those eligible for free school meals and looked-after children) is lower than average. The proportion of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs supported through school action is higher than average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is lower than average.

The school has achieved a number of awards including Rights Respecting School, Artsmark (Gold), Food for Life Partnership (Bronze), Healthy Schools Plus, Basic Skills Quality Mark, National Association for Able Children in Education Challenge Award, Eco-school (Silver) and Inclusive Dyslexia Friendly status. The headteacher is a Local Leader of Education and is providing leadership support for another primary school. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations set for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics.