St Silas Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school Leaders at St Silas Church of England Primary School have created a culture where 'each and every child' can flourish academically and socially in a warm and caring environment. Leaders, teachers and support staff provide an oasis of calm and security in the school.

Relationships between staff and pupils are exceptional. Leaders have developed a curriculum that provides rich experiences and exceptional opportunities to deepen pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding. Leaders are committed to doing everything they can to raise pupils' aspirations.

They are highly successful in breaking down barriers to learning in order to impro...ve pupils' life chances. Parents value this work. Leaders ensure that they meet the needs of all pupils.

Consequently, pupils who speak English as an additional language, disadvantaged pupils and pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities make rapid and sustained progress over time. High-quality teaching and teachers' strong subject knowledge ensure that pupils in all year groups make exceptionally strong progress. Teachers are highly skilled.

Their effective use of questioning contributes to the sustained progress pupils make. Governors use their skills and expertise to hold leaders to account and to ensure that the high standards of education are maintained. The outstanding provision in the early years means that the youngest children benefit from high-quality teaching in an environment that nurtures, excites and stimulate them as learners.

Consequently, they make rapid progress from low starting points. Pupils are extremely polite and they have impeccable manners. Their exemplary behaviour and attitudes to learning contribute to the excellent progress that they make.

In the past, progress has been slower for a very small proportion of Year 1 pupils. However, leaders' successful action means that progress for these pupils is improving quickly. Pupils are extremely proud of their school and its diversity.

One pupil proudly stated: 'We speak lots of different languages in our school. If you came here, you could too.'

Information about this school

The school complies with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish on their website, including the governance and management structure of the multi-academy trust.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school is of similar size to other primary schools nationally and has a Nursery class. The proportion of pupils from ethnic minority groups and those who speak English as an additional language is well above the national average.

The proportion of pupils who are disadvantaged is well above average. The proportion of pupils who are supported because they have SEN and/or disabilities is average. The proportion of pupils who join or leave the school within the academic year is well above average.