Whissendine Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This school is a beacon of exceptional practice in all key areas of its work. Pupils are highly enthusiastic about learning at every age throughout the school and make outstanding progress.

Pupils typically reach above-average standards in English and mathematics by the time they leave at the end of Year 6. The current Year 6 pupils are on track to gain the school's highest results ever. Many pupils are already reaching high standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

Teaching is mainly outstanding. It is consistently good or better in all subject areas and pupils of all capabilities are well catered for, including disabled pu...pils and those who have special educational needs. Consistently high-quality marking across all subjects, together with individual progress interviews, ensures that pupils make rapid gains in their learning.

Behaviour is exemplary and pupils feel totally safe. Pupils demonstrate a very mature attitude to everything, including their learning. The headteacher is an inspirational leader.

He has had a clear impact on raising the amount of outstanding teaching. The English and mathematics leadership teams have had a notable impact on increasing pupils' progress, particularly in the last 18 months. The exciting range of taught subjects and the school's innovative learning methods are particular strengths.

The school uses an internet-based system well to enable pupils to continue their learning at home, but it is not yet consistently effective across the whole school. The governing body is particularly effective and holds the school to account very well.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average primary school.

The very large majority of pupils are White British. There are currently no pupils who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils for whom the school is receiving additional income (the pupil premium) is below average.

In this school it currently applies to pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and children of parents who are serving in the armed forces. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average. The proportion supported through school action plus or a statement of special educational needs is above average.

A before-school club takes place on the school site every morning. It is run by the governing body. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.

Since 2011 the school has been part of a federation of two schools which share the same headteacher and governing body. The headteacher has been at the school for a considerable time, and supports other schools including those in difficulty. The number of pupils is rising, and many come from outside the school's catchment area.