Wickhambrook Primary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is an outstanding school that has improved in all respects since its previous inspection.

Parents and carers are delighted with the quality of education it provides. One typified the views of many by saying, 'I find Wickhambrook School to be excellent in both the academic and pastoral provision that it makes. My children are thriving at this school.'

Children get off to an excellent start in the Reception class, and continue to make outstanding progress throughout their time in the school. Pupils who are disabled and those who have special educational needs, including those who attend the Wickhambrook Centre, also make outstanding progress. Attainment for the oldest pupils is well above ...average, particularly in reading.

Attainment in mathematics is currently high in Year 6, but has been inconsistent. This is because in some year groups not enough attention is given to the development of pupils' mental and oral mathematical skills. The quality of teaching is outstanding.

Teachers plan activities that are matched precisely to pupils' abilities and needs. As a result, pupils are very enthusiastic learners who apply themselves exceptionally well. Pupils are very knowledgeable about how well they are progressing and about what they need to do to improve their work.

Pupils' behaviour and safety are outstanding. They show immense respect and care for each other and for the adults who help them. Leadership and management, including the leadership of teaching and management of performance, are outstanding.

The headteacher, senior managers, staff who have special responsibilities and the governing body work together very effectively to drive improvements. No-one is complacent and they are always looking for ways to make the school even better.

Information about the school

Wickhambrook is smaller than the average primary school.

The percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well below average. The proportion of pupils who come from minority ethnic groups and the percentage who speak English as an additional language are also low. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is about half the national average.

The proportion who have a statement of special educational needs is broadly average. The Wickhambrook Centre for Children with Special Learning Differences, such as dyslexia, attended part-time by pupils from other schools, shares the site and is managed by the governing body. It is a specially resourced provision catering for up to 16 pupils each day in the Year 3 to Year 9 age range.

The school holds national Healthy Schools status. Since its last inspection the school has been subject to a local authority reorganisation of provision, and has expanded to take in Years 5 and 6. This is the first year the school has had any Year 6 pupils.