Castle Hill Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils' achievement is outstanding. Standards at the end of Year 2 and Year 6 are above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics. The overall quality of teaching is outstanding.

Pupils enjoy being really challenged by their work. Pupils read confidently and with a very good understanding, using their phonics' (letters and the sounds they make) skills when reading unfamiliar words. The provision in the early years is extremely well planned.

Children have access to a wide range of activities and experiences to ensure they are especially well prepared for Year 1. Pupils behave very well at all times. They have ...excellent attitudes to learning.

Pupils are caring and thoughtful towards each other and adults. They consider how others feel both in and out of lessons. As a result, pupils feel very safe in the school.

The variety of subjects taught in the school is described by the pupils as exciting, capturing their interest and their love of learning in all areas. Teaching assistants play a valuable role in supporting pupils' learning in lessons, to ensure all pupils make rapid progress. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very strong and prepares pupils exceptionally well for the future.

A new system for assessing pupils' skills and understanding has recently been introduced. Teaching staff are still learning how to apply it confidently. Parents support the school and appreciate the involvement they have in many aspects of their children's school experience.

The headteacher is highly ambitious for the school and is very well supported by managers and governors who work together to move the school from strength to strength. Governors have an excellent understanding of the school's priorities. They are regularly involved in school life and provide challenge to maintain the high standards.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds. A tenth of pupils are identified as disabled or with special educational needs.

This is below average. Just under a quarter of pupils are supported by the pupil premium (additional government funding which supports pupils known to be eligible for free school meals). This is just below average.

The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. Early years provision comprises of a Reception class of children who attend full time. The school is part of the Gloucestershire School Partnership Group.

This is a group of local schools that works with and supports each other to help raise standards. The school provides a breakfast club that is managed by the governing body. The school also provides a number of after-school clubs which include gymnastics, football and homework clubs.

The school holds the Eco Schools Bronze Award, Forest Schools and Emotionally Intelligent Schools and Academies Forum Award. Busy Bees is a pre-school setting on the school site. This is privately run and subject to a separate inspection.

Also at this postcode