Sunning Hill Primary School in Bolton, Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection, revealing a nurturing environment where pupils thrive. The school has been rated as good in the quality of education, personal development, and leadership and management, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as early years provision, have been rated outstanding. The school has maintained its previous outstanding grade since its last inspection in November 2013, prior to the routine inspection exemption that lasted until November 2020.
Pupils at Sunning Hill Primary School express high levels of happiness and pride in their diverse backgrounds, demonstrating a strong understanding of British values and respect for different cultures. The school fosters resilience among students, encouraging them to meet high expectations and excel in their learning. Early years children are exceptionally well-prepared for key stage one, showcasing impressive achievements.
Behaviour across the school is exemplary, with pupils displaying politeness, cheerfulness, and helpfulness in both academic and social settings. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including music and debating, and promotes environmental responsibility through community projects. Leadership opportunities are available for key stage two pupils, further enhancing their personal development.
The curriculum at Sunning Hill is ambitious and well-structured, detailing the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire in a logical sequence. Teachers receive ongoing training to strengthen their subject knowledge and select engaging resources that motivate students. Most pupils make significant progress across subjects, with early years children making exceptional strides regardless of their starting points.
Teachers effectively monitor pupil learning and adapt their teaching accordingly. In the early years, staff are particularly skilled at identifying and addressing gaps in communication and language skills. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in key stages one and two, where some subjects do not revisit prior learning frequently enough. This can hinder pupils' ability to recall essential knowledge when encountering new topics.
Reading is a strong focus at Sunning Hill, with teachers regularly sharing their enthusiasm for literature and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure. The early years environment is rich in language, helping children develop strong foundational reading skills. However, there was a slight decline in reading achievement at key stage two in 2024, prompting the school to revise its curriculum to address specific weaknesses in reading comprehension and vocabulary.
The school is proactive in identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to access the curriculum alongside their peers. High expectations for behaviour are established from the early years, fostering self-control and curiosity among students. The positive school culture is evident, with classrooms filled with enthusiasm and engagement.
Sunning Hill Primary School prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils, equipping them with the knowledge to maintain physical and emotional health. Leaders have a clear vision for the school, emphasizing academic achievement and citizenship. Strong relationships with families enhance the school community, with parents appreciating the school's efforts to involve them in their children's education.
Staff at Sunning Hill are dedicated and feel valued, with policies in place that consider their well-being and workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Sunning Hill Primary School demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education, fostering a supportive and enriching atmosphere for its students.
