Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Forest Hill, London, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection. The pupils express a strong affection for their school, showcasing enthusiasm for the diverse and engaging learning opportunities available to them. They take pride in their academic accomplishments and their active participation in school life. Leadership roles among pupils, such as those in the safeguarding committee, positively influence the school community by promoting safety awareness through assemblies on topics like firework and online safety. Additionally, eco-ambassadors play a vital role in encouraging environmental stewardship among their peers.
The school fosters a positive behavioral environment where pupils respect and support one another, embodying the school’s values. Staff members are dedicated to promoting ambition and high expectations for all students, creating a culture of aspiration. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by mutual respect, ensuring that pupils feel comfortable voicing their concerns to adults.
Holy Trinity prioritizes providing pupils with enriching life experiences, including theatre visits, museum outings, and musical workshops. Pupils take pride in representing their school in various sporting events and value their contributions to the local community, such as involvement in a community garden and support for a local hospice.
The school’s leadership is committed to tailoring the curriculum to meet the needs of its pupils while reflecting the school’s context. They have identified essential knowledge, skills, and vocabulary for pupils to learn. Staff are proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, collaborating with parents and local nurseries to facilitate smooth transitions into the school environment. The school has implemented bespoke support to ensure all pupils succeed academically.
While the school has made significant strides in curriculum development, some subjects are still in the early stages of implementation. Leaders are working closely with teachers to enhance pupils’ understanding and knowledge in these areas. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and present information clearly, helping pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge. Early years education is robust, providing children with ample opportunities to practice their learning and develop independence.
Despite the school’s overall success, recent statutory assessment data indicated that pupils’ progress in mathematics and writing at the end of Year 6 fell below the national average. In response, leaders have made necessary adjustments to ensure consistency in teaching these subjects. They have reviewed assessment data to identify pupils who may be struggling and have implemented additional support, including catch-up sessions, to address gaps in understanding.
The school places a high emphasis on early reading, having introduced a new phonics program to ensure a consistent approach to teaching. Regular assessments help ensure that pupils are reading books suitable for their phonics knowledge. The school promotes a culture of reading, with older pupils mentoring younger ones as reading buddies.
Strong relationships with families are a hallmark of the school, with leaders providing support and guidance as needed. The school actively encourages positive attendance and works with families to improve attendance where necessary. Pupils are taught strategies to understand their emotions, contributing to a focused and positive learning environment.
Character development is also a priority, with pupils learning to respect diverse faiths and cultures. The school offers a variety of clubs to help pupils explore new interests. Leaders and governors have accurately identified development priorities and are committed to continuous improvement through reflective practices and collaboration with local schools. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
