Windmill Hill Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key findings

This is a good and improving school. Standards have risen to above national averages over the last three years. The school has made substantial improvements to the quality of teaching and provision since the previous inspection.

Pupils' achievement is good and by the end of Key Stage 2 their attainment is above average in English and mathematics. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make good progress from starting points that are in line with typical expectations, although their literacy skills are lower. Although the content of pupils' writing is good across the school, their spelling, handwriting and presentation do not always reflect the school's expectations set out in its policy.

...>The quality of teaching is consistently good with some examples of outstanding practice. Teachers throughout the school have high expectations of both behaviour and pupils' achievement. Pupils' behaviour in classes and around the school is good.

They are courteous, welcoming and willing to help each other. Nearly all pupils say they feel safe in school and the overwhelming majority of parents and carers support this view. Attendance is above average and almost all pupils are punctual.

The school is well led and managed. The governing body has a good understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Senior and middle managers, although effective at monitoring, do not have sufficient opportunities to be involved in the professional development of colleagues.

The school's management has dealt well with the issues raised by the previous inspection and has eliminated areas of underachievement effectively so that nearly all gaps in achievement have been closed.

Information about the school

Launceston is an average-sized primary school. Most pupils are of White British origin and the proportion of pupils of minority ethnic heritage is broadly average.

These pupils are mostly of Eastern European origin and nearly all speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average, although the percentage with a statement of special education needs is above average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is above average.

The school meets current government floor standards. The governing body runs a breakfast club, which was inspected at the same time as the main school. The school is a member of the Children's University and the Eco Schools inititative; it is also a Dyslexia Friendly School.