Swimbridge Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Swimbridge is an exceptional school where the pupils' very high performance in assessments at the end of Year 6 continues to place the school well within the top 5% of schools nationally. The school has continued a strong commitment to improvement since the previous inspection that has enabled it to extend the breadth of pupils' outstanding achievements. Pupils achieve exceptionally well in English and mathematics, including the most able.

Most pupils also show high levels of skill across the range of subjects including, science, swimming and music. Teaching is outstanding and is typified throughout the school by the diligence an...d great skill of staff in questioning pupils to draw out and develop their ideas. Staff also excel in promoting the pupils' wholehearted and earnest commitment to learning that underpins their excellent progress and great enjoyment of school.

The school's continuing success stems from inspirational and high quality leadership by the very well-respected headteacher. The headteacher's infectious enthusiasm and encouraging commitment to team leadership nurtures excellent support from all staff and members of the governing body. Together they have successfully established a community of learning in which all those associated with the school, especially the pupils themselves, are proud to be fully involved.

Parents are particularly appreciative; one typical comment being: 'The staff are doing remarkably well to meet each child's uniquely different and particular needs with equal success. I couldn't be happier with the school.' In response to the staff's excellent care and safeguarding of pupils' welfare, pupils show genuine kindness and consideration towards each other, and their behaviour is exemplary.

Information about this school

This school is below average in size. Almost all pupils attending the school are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils who are supported through school action is above the national average.

The proportion supported by school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also above average. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium (which provides additional funding for children in local authority care and those known to be eligible for free school meals) is below average. The school does not use any alternative educational provision.

The Early Years Foundation Stage is comprised of one mixed-aged Reception and Year 1 class. Most other pupils are taught in mixed-age classes. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set out the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress.