Ronald Ross Primary School, located in London, has recently undergone an inspection that reaffirmed its status as an outstanding institution. The inspection, conducted on May 22 and 23, 2024, evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which received outstanding ratings. This marks the second consecutive inspection where the school has achieved this high standard, with the previous inspection occurring in March 2013.
The school is characterized by its high expectations for pupil behavior and academic achievement. Students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, consistently perform well in national assessments and produce high-quality work across the curriculum. Classrooms are vibrant environments where pupils engage enthusiastically, even when faced with challenging tasks. From the early years, children demonstrate attentive listening skills, which fosters their ability to absorb a wide range of ideas. The school promotes a culture of kindness and inclusivity, with pupils actively participating in sharing, taking turns, and ensuring that everyone is included during playtime.
The school enriches pupils' personal and social development through a variety of organized activities, including trips to cultural venues such as galleries, the ballet, and theater performances. These experiences significantly enhance pupils' broader education. For instance, Year 6 students gain a deep understanding of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by attending a live performance before staging their own rendition. Additionally, extracurricular clubs such as orchestra, chess, cookery, and yoga are well-attended and contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.
Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a safe and supportive atmosphere. Parents and caregivers appreciate the extensive support provided by the school, including weekly sessions that address important topics such as child well-being and strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs. The school actively listens to staff feedback, fostering a collaborative environment.
The curriculum at Ronald Ross Primary School is ambitious and thoughtfully designed. Leaders have carefully considered the knowledge pupils should acquire in each subject, ensuring that the needs of students with special educational needs are met. The curriculum is sequenced logically, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. For example, early years children learn safe food preparation, which prepares them for more complex cooking tasks in later years. The coherence of the curriculum is evident in the early years, where children have ample opportunities to revisit concepts meaningfully.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with a diverse selection of literature that reflects pupils' backgrounds and interests. From the early years, pupils engage in reading activities that captivate their imagination. Phonics instruction is prioritized to ensure that all children develop strong decoding skills. Support is readily available for those who need it, resulting in confident and fluent readers. Older pupils, such as Year 5 Reading Ambassadors, actively promote a love of reading by engaging with younger students.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, characterized by kindness, courtesy, and respect. The school teaches students how to manage their emotions and relationships effectively. Attendance rates are high, and the school promptly addresses any attendance issues. Pupils receive comprehensive education on making healthy and safe choices in relationships, fostering an understanding of diversity and the importance of combating discrimination.
The governing body plays a vital role in the school's success by identifying improvement priorities and ensuring that all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs and those eligible for pupil premium funding, receive the necessary support to thrive. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment for all students. Overall, Ronald Ross Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and enriching environment for its pupils.