Colton Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The school provides pupils of all ages with a high quality and well-balanced education which they enjoy thoroughly. As a result, pupils achieve extremely well and make excellent progress in their learning.

High academic achievement combined with rapid personal development ensures that, by the end of Year 6, pupils are extremely well prepared for the next stage in their education. High quality teaching engages pupils and motivates them to learn. Classrooms are hives of industry with everyone working in unison to achieve inspirational targets.

Pupils' enthusiasm for learning is infectious and they take considerable pride in gaining... new knowledge and skills. However, the presentation of their work is not always of as high quality as its content. The behaviour of pupils is exemplary.

They work and play in complete harmony and are polite and well mannered at all times. Pupils acquire a very strong sense of social responsibility and show a very mature understanding of environmental and global issues. Leadership and management are highly effective.

Incisive priorities for development, based on extensive monitoring of the school's performance, ensure the school is continually moving forward and improving. Leaders and managers maintain a very sharp focus on improving the quality of teaching, and performance management is exceptionally well organised and effective. Staff are provided with frequent opportunities for personal development and set challenging performance targets.

The school's involvement in the Temple Newsam Learning Partnership Trust is led and managed with commitment and purpose ensuring pupils and staff gain maximum benefit.

Information about this school

Colton is an average sized primary school. In 2010 it became a foundation school and is part of a shared charitable trust with the Temple Newsam Learning Partnership.

A very large majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is well below average. While the proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is well below average, the proportion supported through school action plus or have a statement of special educational needs is above average.

The majority of these pupils have difficulties with speech, language and communication. Since the school was last inspected a new headteacher has been appointed and took up the post in April 2009. The school meets the current government floor standards which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.