St George's Church of England Primary School in Camberwell, London, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on July 11 and 12, 2023. The school was rated as good overall, with specific areas of personal development being recognized as outstanding. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in May 2018.
Pupils at St George's enjoy their time at school, as teachers create engaging and practical learning experiences. The school fosters a sense of pride in students regarding their work, and high expectations are set by the leadership team. Staff members encourage students to strive for their best, contributing to a positive learning environment. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they navigate the school calmly and sensibly, demonstrating politeness and kindness towards one another. This supportive atmosphere is further enhanced during playtimes, where staff thoughtfully plan activities and respond promptly to any concerns, ensuring a safe environment for all.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including gardening, movies, and street dance, which pupils enthusiastically participate in. Leaders ensure that all students have opportunities to engage in a wide range of outings and visits, enriching their educational experience. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn and retain over time. Strong foundations are laid in the early years, enabling children to develop their understanding across various subjects effectively.
Teachers provide clear instructions and typically address misconceptions in lessons. However, there are instances where the implementation of the curriculum is inconsistent due to a lack of subject-specific training for some staff. This has impacted attainment outcomes in mathematics and writing for Year 6 pupils, although recent efforts by leaders to improve these areas have shown positive results. The school is committed to enhancing pupils' subject-specific vocabulary and deeper learning.
Leaders prioritize reading and are proactive in identifying pupils' phonics knowledge, particularly for those who join the school mid-way through their primary education with limited English. Staff provide timely support to help these pupils catch up, fostering their reading fluency and confidence. The school emphasizes the importance of readiness for learning, with low levels of disruption during lessons and respectful interactions between adults and pupils.
St George's excels in providing exceptional opportunities for personal development through well-structured programs that help pupils understand their role in school and society. The school promotes acceptance of differences among individuals and encourages discussions about diverse views and beliefs. Leaders have created a welcoming culture, swiftly identifying individual needs and training staff to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with robust processes in place for recruiting staff and training them to recognize signs of potential harm. Leaders are diligent in following up on concerns and ensuring pupils learn how to keep themselves safe through age-appropriate discussions on key issues.
To improve further, the school must ensure consistent implementation of the curriculum across all subjects, enhancing staff expertise to deepen pupils' knowledge and skills. Continued focus on improving outcomes in mathematics and writing for Year 6 pupils is also essential. Overall, St George's Church of England Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils.
