Freemantle Church of England Community Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher and senior leaders have made considerable improvements to the school. Staff share the high aspirations of senior leaders.

Pupils make good progress from their starting points. By the end of key stage 2, pupils attain in line with the national average in reading and writing. Attainment in mathematics is above average.

Governors provide rigorous support and challenge to school leaders. They have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas still to develop. The quality of teaching is strong.

Teachers are well trained and have good subject knowledge. Assessment is effective. But teachers do not always ch...allenge most-able pupils to deepen their understanding in reading and writing.

The vast majority of parents and carers are very supportive of the school. They say that their children feel safe and well looked after. The behaviour of pupils is good.

In lessons, pupils are keen to do well. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Children make good progress during their time in early years.

Around a similar proportion to that found nationally reach a good level of development. In Reception, phonics work is not always well matched to children's needs. This is particularly for those children who are at an early stage of learning English.

Leaders are still refining baseline assessment procedures. The curriculum is well designed. It provides pupils with a broad range of experiences.

Leaders make good use of technology to engage pupils in their learning. Pupils' progress in reading and writing in key stage 1 has not always been strong enough to enable them to catch up with others nationally. Middle leaders are still developing their roles.

Currently, they are not focusing enough on the progress that pupils are making. Some disadvantaged pupils do not attend as well as they could.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school.

There are two classes in each year group, except Year 5 which has one class. Provision for children in early years consists of two Reception classes and a Nursery class. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups is above average.

Over a third of pupils speak English as an additional language. Many are at an early stage of learning English. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is lower than the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is similar to average. The school converted to a stand-alone academy in April 2011.

The school is overseen by members of the governing body. All trustees are elected from the governing body. Trustees and governors work together to set the strategic direction of the school.

The school runs a breakfast and after-school club. The school was judged to be good at its last section 48 inspection in July 2017. A section 48 inspection reports on the religious character of the school.