Gillespie Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection on the 7th and 8th of November 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The school has consistently maintained this high standard since its last inspection in February 2011. The leadership team at Gillespie Primary School is dedicated to providing an exceptional education for all pupils, setting extremely high expectations that ensure all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve remarkable success.
Pupils at Gillespie Primary School are characterized by their hard work, confidence, and motivation to learn. The school fosters resilience among students, encouraging them to embrace challenges in their lessons and to be enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge. The relationships between staff and pupils are notably positive, contributing to a safe and supportive school environment. Behaviour is exemplary, and pupils exhibit strong attitudes towards their learning.
The school promotes active participation in the school community through various initiatives, such as the student council and eco-committee, which help develop leadership skills among pupils. A diverse range of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs, a choir, and a street dance club, enriches the students' educational experience. Additionally, the school engages pupils in the 'science for life' programme, which includes workshops, experiments, and outings.
Gillespie Primary School excels in its ambitious curriculum, designed to build knowledge progressively over time. This approach enables pupils to learn and retain new concepts effectively. The curriculum emphasizes subject-specific vocabulary, which pupils use with confidence. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and receive effective training to ensure expertise across all curriculum areas. They present information clearly and adapt lessons to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs.
Teachers systematically check for understanding and address misconceptions promptly, resulting in high-quality work from pupils. In the early years, teachers focus on developing communication skills, regularly assessing and enhancing children's vocabulary. The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, with staff well-trained in delivering a phonics programme that is consistently high in quality. Support is provided for pupils who may fall behind, ensuring they catch up and keep pace with their peers.
Pupils are encouraged to develop a passion for reading, with daily reading activities and a wide variety of books available both in school and for home reading. The school ensures that early readers have access to books that match their phonetic abilities and offers workshops for parents to support reading at home.
Pupils demonstrate excellent focus and attitudes during lessons, and attendance rates are exceptionally high. Leaders work closely with parents to promote regular attendance. The personal development programme is tailored to the needs of the pupils, helping them understand how to stay safe and healthy. The school organizes various outings each year, including visits to museums and workshops, and invites external speakers to enrich the curriculum.
The health and welfare of staff are prioritized, with leaders mindful of workload pressures and exploring strategies to alleviate them. The governing body effectively supports and challenges school leaders, ensuring a clear strategic vision is in place. The safeguarding arrangements at Gillespie Primary School are effective, contributing to a positive and secure learning environment for all pupils. Overall, the school exemplifies excellence in education, fostering a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere for its students.
