Millbank Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Pupils' achievement is outstanding. Pupils start school needing considerable support for their learning, but are making exceptionally good progress to reach standards which are well above expectations by the end of Year 6.

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage receive very effective help and soon gain confidence, becoming independent, keen learners. Teaching is outstanding and brings out the best in each pupil. Teachers have high expectations and pupils rise to meet them, tackling difficult and challenging tasks with determination and conviction.

Pupils from different groups, including disabled pupils and those with specia...l educational needs and those who receive additional funding, make excellent progress because their needs are quickly understood and skilled support is put in place. Pupils' behaviour, attitudes to learning and respect for each other are outstanding. Pupils are enormously proud of their school and play an active part in contributing to the positive atmosphere.

There is a culture of high aspiration and success for all. Pupils have a rich and stimulating learning experience, inspired by an innovative range of topics and the input of specialist teachers throughout the school. Studying art, music, PE and French helps to motivate them and contributes strongly to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Leadership is outstanding. School leaders are highly supportive of the vision to continually improve and are powerful role models around the school. Staff support for the headteacher has driven up standards across the school.

The governing body plays an important and successful role in supporting and challenging the school to help drive improvements.

Information about this school

Millbank Academy converted to become an academy school on 1 September 2012. When its predecessor school, Millbank Primary School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be oustanding overall.

Millbank Academy is sponsored by Future and opened in September 2012. It is larger than most primary schools. The majority of the pupils are from minority ethnic groups and the proportion who speak English as an additional language is well above average.

The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below the national average. The academy is a designated school in Westminster for pupils with autism and has a dedicated class with ten places, known as Windmill.

The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional government funding provided for looked after children, those known to be eligible for free school meals and pupils with a parent in the armed forces, is well above average. The breakfast and after school-clubs on site, plus the play centre, are managed by the governing body. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.