Newton Burgoland Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is an outstanding school. Pupils described the school as 'Brilliant Burgoland' and 'The Best'. Children have a good start to their education in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where they make good progress.

The use of the outdoor area is being reviewed to ensure that the curriculum more flexibly meets the needs of the varying numbers of children in the mixed-age class with Year 1 pupils. The progress that pupils make from entering Year 1 to leaving Year 6 is outstanding for all groups, thanks to outstanding teaching supported by an outstanding curriculum. Progress in mathematics has been variable in the past, and so attainment in mathematics has not been as high as in English.

This has... been addressed through better marking of pupils' work in mathematics, which is now good but a few inconsistencies still remain. Because of this, attainment overall is above average rather than high. The school motto of 'Together we can achieve excellence' has been achieved not only academically but in all aspects of personal development, which are now outstanding.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary and this is one reason why all the pupils and their parents and carers say that pupils are safe in the school. Pupils enjoy coming to school and this is reflected in their high attendance rates, which contribute to them being exceedingly well prepared for secondary school. The school is at the hub of the village and joint activities such as the village vegetable show exemplify how well the pupils contribute to the community.

Other aspects of their outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are enhanced by links with the local churches and partnerships with multicultural schools. The headteacher has a clear vision of improving every aspect of the pupils' education and has ensured that every pupil is treated as an individual. Throughout the school pupils are encouraged to mix with each other and to ensure there is no discrimination.

The care, guidance and support provided are outstanding and any underachievement by pupils is quickly identified and acted upon. All aspects of leadership and management are outstanding, with all leaders and the governing body fully involved in school improvement. The staff questionnaires confirmed a united support for the leaders and governing body.

Since the last inspection there has been excellent progress with many aspects improving from good to outstanding. The self-evaluation document provided by the school is very accurate and shows a good understanding of how well the pupils are doing. The capacity for sustained improvement is outstanding.

Information about the school

This is a smaller-than-average primary school. The vast majority of pupils are from White British backgrounds. Very few are from minority ethnic groups and none speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below that found in most schools and very few have a statement of special educational needs. The proportion known to be eligible for free school meals is much lower than in most schools. The school has recently gained Healthy Schools status and the International Schools award.