Highbury Quadrant Primary School, located in Islington, London, was inspected on 27 and 28 June 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, as well as in early years provision. The previous inspection in June 2018 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Highbury Quadrant Primary School are generally happy and feel safe. They enjoy their learning experiences and actively participate in various school trips. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong, and leaders are attentive to the needs of their students, fostering an environment where pupils are encouraged to engage enthusiastically in lessons. The school has implemented a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to cater to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the implementation of this curriculum is inconsistent across subjects, leading to varied levels of achievement among pupils.
Behaviour among pupils is commendable, with kindness and respect being prevalent. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel confident that staff will address any concerns they may have. The school promotes positive behaviour and teaches pupils about politeness and confidence, particularly in preparation for their transition to secondary school. Pupils are also given opportunities to take on responsibilities, such as leading fundraising activities.
Leaders at the school are ambitious and take into account the developmental needs of pupils upon their arrival. This is particularly evident in the early years provision, where the curriculum is designed to foster independence, curiosity, and social skills. In Years 1 to 6, the curriculum is broad, but its recent introduction in several subjects has left some teachers lacking confidence and expertise in delivering it effectively. This inconsistency affects pupils' retention of knowledge across various subjects.
Leaders are aware of the areas needing improvement and have begun implementing effective changes, drawing on local authority expertise. For instance, they have introduced a new phonics programme to enhance reading fluency and have ensured that staff are well-trained to deliver it. Regular assessments in reading are effective, but similar practices in other subjects are less consistent, leading to some pupils retaining misconceptions.
The school provides tailored support for pupils with complex needs, ensuring they receive personalized assistance in their learning and well-being. Attendance issues are addressed collaboratively with families, and pupils are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards learning. Most pupils engage well in lessons and meet the high expectations set by staff, although occasional disruptions occur.
Highbury Quadrant Primary School offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including frequent trips and after-school clubs. The curriculum for personal development is well-structured, promoting healthy lifestyles and respect for diversity. Leaders and governors are dedicated to the school community and work closely with families to support pupils.
In summary, while Highbury Quadrant Primary School has strengths in various areas, it faces challenges in delivering a consistently high-quality education across all subjects. Leaders are taking steps to address these issues, and with continued focus on curriculum delivery and teacher training, the school can work towards improving its overall effectiveness.
