Overthorpe CofE Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Since his appointment, the headteacher has provided highly effective leadership. Together with competent senior leaders and governors, he has determinedly set the direction to improve pupils' education and achievement.

Consequently, the school is improving rapidly. All leaders have focused sharply to tackle the decline in pupils' historical attainment and progress. Leaders effectively check and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning.

The quality of teaching has improved. Although pupils' progress at the end of key stage 2 in 2018 was below average, pupils currently in the school are making strong progress across the curriculum. Som...e pupils make exceptional progress.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support. Currently, they make good progress from their starting points. The quality of teaching and learning is strong.

Teaching meets the needs of different pupil groups because teachers and teaching assistants have secure subject knowledge. Governors are committed to supporting school improvement. They have commissioned an external review of their own work to ensure that they are effective in their roles.

Pupils are polite and well mannered. They have positive attitudes to learning and say that they feel safe in school. Leaders have effective systems in place to track pupils' attendance and follow up any absences.

Despite this, attendance for disadvantaged pupils has been lower than average over time. Learning is strong in the early years. From lower-than-typical starting points, children make good progress.

Opportunities to develop writing are not as effective as other areas. The partnership between the parents and carers and the school is effective. Parents are overwhelmingly positive in their views.

Historically, disadvantaged pupils did not make strong progress across the curriculum. The progress of current disadvantaged pupils is good and better because they are supported exceptionally well. Leaders promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development effectively.

Pupils demonstrate that the Christian school values are an integral part of school life. The new curriculum design has improved the breadth and depth of the curriculum. Pupils take an active part in their learning.

Progress in phonics is not as strong as in other subjects.

Information about this school

The school is larger than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is much larger than the national average and in the top 20% of schools in the country.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is lower than the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average for both SEND support and for those who have an education, health and care plan. The school is situated in an area of high deprivation.

The school has a Nursery providing 30 hours places. The school also provide places for two-year-olds. The school offers a breakfast club before school and a range of clubs and activities after school.