Herringthorpe Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils' achievement is outstanding. They make excellent progress during their time in the school. By the end of Year 6, pupils' attainment is significantly above average in reading, writing and mathematics.

However, until this year, pupils who are supported by the pupil premium have not made the same excellent progress as other pupils. The quality of teaching is outstanding. Activities are highly enjoyable and very well planned.

All staff have very high expectations for pupils. They work successfully to ensure that activities are almost always challenging. Skilled teaching assistants are used effectively.

Teache...rs have excellent understanding of the level at which pupils are working. Overall, the marking of pupils' work is of a high standard. However, on a few occasions teachers do not point out how pupils can improve their work further.

Sometimes teachers pay too little attention to improving pupils' spelling. Pupils feel safe and behave exceptionally well whilst in school, on the playground, in the dining hall and on visits. Art, sport and information and communication technology are strengths of the school's work.

The school is exceptionally well led by the executive headteacher. She is strongly supported by an effective head of school, senior and subject leaders, and all staff. Team spirit is strong, morale is high and all are committed to continued improvement.

The range of enrichment activities provided by the school is superb and contributes significantly to pupils' learning, development and to their above average attendance. The governing body increasingly contributes to the success of the school. The school is continuously striving to improve and there is a very strong focus on checking on how well different groups of pupils are learning, so that any who fall behind can be immediately helped to make better progress.

The highly successful promotion of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is at the heart of the school's work. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school. Leaders do a great deal to encourage parents from different backgrounds to become involved so that they can support their children's learning effectively.

Information about this school

This is an above average sized primary school. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is broadly average. The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those children who are looked after by the local authority.

Approximately two-thirds of pupils are of White British heritage, with Pakistani pupils forming the next largest group. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups and pupils who speak English as an additional language are broadly average and growing. The proportion of pupils supported at school action is well above average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is broadly average. There have been some changes in teaching staff since the previous inspection, including the appointment of a deputy headteacher. There are two newly qualified teachers and one recently qualified teacher on the staff.

The school's formal collaboration with a neighbouring primary school has meant that the roles of headteacher and deputy headteacher have changed to executive headteacher and head of school to reflect additional leadership responsibilities. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school holds numerous awards including the Active Mark Gold, the Arts Mark Gold and an Advanced Healthy School's status.

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