Highlees Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The executive principal and head of school provide focused and determined leadership. This has led to considerable improvements to the quality of teaching and pupils' outcomes.

The school's capacity for further improvement is good. Middle leaders have a sound understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. They have clear plans to bring about change and make further improvements.

Leaders and governors accurately evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the school. Governors visit regularly to find out for themselves how the school is performing. The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust provides clear strategic guidance thr...ough strong support and effective challenge to senior leaders.

The school's curriculum is increasingly exciting for pupils. It is especially effective in preparing them for life in modern Britain through a wide range of well-planned experiences which inspire pupils to be the best they can be. Recently, there have been many changes in teaching staff.

As a result of effective training, high expectations and rigorous performance management, teaching is good across the school. Pupils' behaviour is good. They respect each other and are proud of their school.

Leaders ensure that the provision in the early years is good. Staff are skilled in meeting the diverse needs of children. Subject leaders are keen and contribute effectively to ensuring that pupils are taught a broad range of subjects.

However, many are new to their roles and do not yet take a full part in leading improvements within their areas of responsibility. Differences in progress and attainment between disadvantaged pupils and others in the school are diminishing. However, leaders have rightly identified that the achievement of disadvantaged pupils still needs to improve further.

Teachers generally build upon pupils' earlier learning effectively and manage pupils' needs well. However, the work for pupils, including the most able, is not always demanding enough so that pupils achieve as well as they should. Leaders have introduced a tracking system in the foundation subjects that measures pupils' progress and identifies their next steps in learning.

However, this needs to be embedded further to ensure that all pupils achieve well across a wide range of subjects.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. It is a member of the Elliot Foundation Academies Trust.

The school is part of a federation with Eyrescroft Primary School. The two schools share a governing body and executive principal. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds is well above the national average, as is the proportion of pupils whose first language is not English.

The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the government's pupil premium funding is well above the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities and those who have a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan is broadly in line with the national average. The school meets the current government floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of key stage 2.

Also at this postcode