Whitefriars School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school High-quality leadership at all levels has transformed the school. Federating with a local outstanding school has enabled leaders to apply successfully their systems and procedures to raise pupils' achievement. Senior leaders and the trust share the same values and aspirations for the school.

Pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds are welcomed into school. They receive the support and encouragement they need to excel. From starting points that are typically low for their age, most pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities, make very strong progress.

Outcomes achiev...ed by the end of key stage 2 are exceptionally high. High-quality teaching ensures that pupils continue to make exceptional progress in key stage 3. Teachers assess thoroughly what pupils of all abilities have already learned, and identify what else they need, to progress quickly to the next stage.

Pupils love learning. They value highly the regular guidance and advice provided by staff to help them rectify errors, avoid misconceptions and improve their work. Expectations of pupils are very high.

From an early stage, they are expected to think for themselves, develop independence and reflect deeply on their learning. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils in all key stages demonstrate very positive attitudes towards learning, attend regularly and engage fully in school life.

A broad, balanced curriculum ensures that all pupils acquire key literacy and numeracy skills needed for the next stage of their education. An exceptional range of enrichment activities, thoroughly enjoyed by pupils, further enhances the curriculum. Leaders, trust directors and stakeholders work effectively across both schools to ensure that the school gains from the good practice and proven leadership capacity within the federation.

Leaders have rightly identified where further work is needed. Their prompt action to strengthen provision and leadership in the early years is securing rapid improvement. Pupils are kept safe in school.

All safeguarding arrangements are fully met.

Information about this school

The school did not comply with Department for Education guidance on what academies should publish about the impact of the PE and sport premium last year. The school became an academy in 2014.

Currently, it has pupils in key stages 1, 2 and 3. Key stage 4 provision will commence in September 2018. This was its first section 5 inspection.

The school is part of a federation with the Heathland School. It is also part of the Heathland Whitefriars Federation, a multi-academy trust. The majority of pupils are from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds.

For almost three quarters of pupils, their first language is not English. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is broadly average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities, including those with an education, health and care plan, is below average.