Glen Hills Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have created a climate of trust in the school. All staff are committed to improving the school and staff morale is very positive. The determined leadership of the executive headteacher, head of school and the senior team has led to rapid improvements over the last year, particularly in reading and writing.

Governors have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and priorities for development. They are ambitious for the school and actively support and challenge leaders in securing improvement. The curriculum is broad and balanced.

Leaders and governors have ensured that it meets the needs and interests of pupils, including t...he implementation of successful nurture classes. The personal development of pupils is highly effective. This is complemented by plentiful opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural themes.

Pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are well supported and are making good progress as a result. The arrangements for safeguarding pupils are effective and leaders have established a culture of vigilance in the school. Pupils say that they feel safe and happy and parents strongly agree.

The quality of teaching is consistently good. Teachers use their subject knowledge enthusiastically to engage pupils in their learning. Pupils behave exceptionally well.

The school has established a caring community ethos which permeates all aspects of school life. Pupils are polite, caring and helpful. They are proud of their school.

Attendance is above the national average. Provision in the early years is good. Children settle in well and quickly adapt to the high expectations and routines that have been established.

Parents are very positive about the provision their children receive and they make good progress. Teachers and leaders engage well with other schools in the Symphony Learning Trust to share effective practice and to check the accuracy of their assessment of pupils' work. Pupils make good progress in key stage 1.

In 2018, pupils' progress by the end of key stage 2 improved in reading and writing. However, progress in mathematics is less good. The progress made by the most able pupils and disadvantaged pupils is improving but remains more variable.

Information about this school

This school is a much larger than the average-sized primary school. It became an academy in August 2012. The school is part of the Symphony Learning Trust.

Directors of the trust are the appropriate authority with delegated responsibilities to the local governing body. The majority of pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils in receipt of the pupil premium funding is broadly in line with the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is broadly average. The provision is a vibrant, stimulating and welcoming learning environment.