Highfield South Farnham School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders are unwavering in their determination to do their absolute best for all the pupils in the school.

Their work during the three years since the school opened has established high expectations and high standards of learning and care. Staff work tirelessly to raise pupils' aspirations and help them to become successful learners. Staff are held closely to account by leaders for the difference their work makes.

Effective training, supported by the trust, ensures that staff are successful in their roles. Highly effective and accurate assessment enables teachers to plan learning that meets pupils' emerging needs promptly and succe...ssfully. Adults act swiftly to address pupils' misconceptions and gaps in their learning, so that pupils do not fall behind.

Pupils achieve very well at the school. In every year group, the proportion of pupils reaching at least the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics is well above the national average. More attained the higher standard last year than was seen nationally, although there is scope for even more to achieve these levels.

Disadvantaged pupils are very successful. They achieve in line with other pupils nationally. Those who were previously persistently absent now attend school regularly.

The curriculum builds pupils' knowledge and skills very well across a suitably wide range of subjects. Pupils' experiences are notably enriched by the wide and increasing range of additional opportunities provided via clubs, trips and visitors. This instils an enthusiasm for learning.

High standards of care and welfare are real strengths of the school, and are valued greatly by pupils and their parents and carers. Vulnerable pupils and their families are supported well. Consequently, pupils flourish.

Pupils typically come to school regularly. Leaders' successful and tenacious work has brought about improvements in attendance for those pupils who, in the past, have not come to school as much as they should. Standards of behaviour in the school are typically good or better.

A small proportion of pupils find it difficult to manage their own behaviour as well as they should. Staff work skilfully to support these pupils, who respond well to them. Children in the early years are prepared exceptionally well for the formal learning that follows.

Staff work highly effectively together to provide rich learning experiences that enable children to thrive.

Information about this school

Highfield South Farnham School is a sponsor-led academy. It opened in February 2015, when the predecessor school closed.

It includes a Nursery which accommodates children aged three and above in a separate building on the school site. It is currently a one-form entry school, although there are two classes in Years 1 and 6. The school is part of the South Farnham Educational Trust (SFET), which is a multi-academy trust.

Leaders work closely with colleagues across the trust to support ongoing development and school improvement. The trust delegates general responsibility for the running of the school to a local governing body. Most pupils are of White British origin.

A lower-than-average proportion are believed to speak English as an additional language. Approximately a third of pupils have been eligible for free school meals at some point over the past six years. More than a quarter of pupils receive support for a special educational need, which is double the national average.

The proportion of pupils with a statement of special educational needs and/or an education, health and care plan is broadly in line with the national average, although a number of other pupils currently have applications which are pending. A very small number of pupils receive additional support by attending the 'Search' nurture group at St Paul's CofE Infant School on a part-time basis. The school meets the current government floor standards for what pupils are expected to achieve by the end of key stage 2.