Barclay Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Barclay Primary School is a community in which pupils' learning is uppermost on the agenda.

Leaders do not allow lesser issues to detract from this priority. The executive headteacher's determination and drive is expertly focused on ensuring the very best outcomes and well-being for pupils. The sense of continuous analysis, reflection and development is palpable.

This continuous pursuit of improvement permeates each level of leadership. Those with positions of responsibility demonstrate passion, purpose and effectiveness in all they do. Exceptionally high pupil outcomes have been sustained over recent years.

In 2015, the ...school was placed in the top 3% nationally for the amount of progress pupils made between key stages 1 and 2. Teaching is remarkably adaptive to pupils' needs. Teachers' subject knowledge allows them to adjust lessons as they proceed, responding immediately to the questions pupils raise.

Pupils' attitudes to learning are exemplary. Their determination to achieve their very best is promoted and supported exceptionally well by the school's work. Children make rapid progress in the early years as a result of determined and focused teaching.

Staff have high expectations of their own performance and of its impact on children's outcomes. Children are exceptionally well prepared for Year 1. Pupils have a mature approach to their learning, taking increasing responsibility for it as they progress through the school.

They are exceptionally well prepared for secondary education. As a result of the high expectations of pupils' behaviour, the school community runs smoothly. Pupils behave maturely without the need to be reminded or rewarded.

Numerous policies and procedures create a safe environment in which pupils are safe and able to thrive. Governance arrangements ensure that leaders' focus does not waver from their key priorities. Constant challenge and unerring drive ensures that standards remain high.

Parents speak highly of the school's work and of their children's enjoyment of school.

Information about this school

The school converted to academy status in September 2012. The predecessor school, of the same name, was previously inspected in May 2011, its overall effectiveness being judged good.

The school is the founding member of the Lion Academy Trust. As such, it provides support to other schools in the trust. The school roll is significantly larger than the average-sized primary school and is expanding.

The school operates on two sites, the second of which is due to add two classes each academic year for the next five years. The proportion of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds is well above average. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is broadly average.

A significantly higher proportion of pupils than average speak English as an additional language. The school meets the government's current floor standards which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school operates breakfast and after-school clubs.