Phoenix Primary School, located in London, has been recognized for its outstanding performance in the recent inspection conducted on June 17-18, 2015. The school has shown remarkable improvement since its previous inspection, where it was rated as good. The current inspection highlights the school’s overall effectiveness as outstanding, with exceptional ratings in leadership and management, behavior and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, and early years provision.
The leadership at Phoenix Primary School is characterized by a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. The headteacher and senior leadership team maintain a relentless focus on improvement, which has resulted in exceptional achievements across all pupil groups. The school benefits from strong middle leadership, which is supported by excellent professional development opportunities. This ensures that teaching remains consistently high in quality. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting teachers and enhancing pupil learning throughout the school.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, with students demonstrating politeness and courtesy towards visitors. They work collaboratively and enjoy their learning experiences. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils take pride in their work and engage actively in lessons. The curriculum is designed to provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and knowledge, preparing them well for life in modern Britain.
The headteacher effectively tracks and analyzes pupil progress, sharing this information with staff to tailor teaching to meet individual needs. Learning activities are thoughtfully designed to challenge pupils, and swift support is provided when underachievement is identified. Disadvantaged pupils achieve exceptionally well in reading, writing, and mathematics, although there are some gaps in writing and mathematics compared to their peers within the school. The school is aware of these gaps and is actively working to address them.
The Early Years Foundation Stage offers an excellent start for children, with high-quality teaching leading to outstanding progress. By the end of the Reception Year, children are well-prepared for Year 1. The school’s safeguarding procedures are robust, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all pupils.
The inspection team observed teaching in 24 lessons and held discussions with pupils, governors, and school leaders. The school’s self-evaluation is accurate, and development planning is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement. The governing body is ambitious and holds leaders accountable for maintaining high standards and meeting the community's needs.
Overall, Phoenix Primary School exemplifies outstanding educational practice, with a strong focus on pupil achievement, behavior, and safety. The school’s commitment to improvement and the quality of its leadership and teaching contribute significantly to its success. The positive relationships between staff, pupils, and parents further enhance the school’s environment, making it a thriving community for learning. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success and to address any remaining challenges effectively.
