Branton St Wilfrid’s Church of England Primary School, located in Doncaster, has demonstrated significant improvement since its last inspection. The school is now rated as good in overall effectiveness, leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development, behavior and welfare, outcomes for pupils, and early years provision. The executive headteacher and senior leaders have successfully enhanced the quality of education through the implementation of effective systems that support continuous improvement. Professional development for staff has been prioritized, leading to a good standard of teaching across the school. New staff members receive strong support, ensuring a cohesive teaching environment.
Pupils at Branton St Wilfrid’s are making good progress, particularly in reading, where phonics instruction is effective. The majority of pupils achieve fluency and accuracy in reading, with outcomes at the end of key stage two exceeding national averages. The school effectively utilizes additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, helping them overcome barriers to learning. Governors play an active role in the school, providing a balance of challenge and support to the leadership team.
The behavior of pupils is commendable, contributing to a calm and welcoming school atmosphere. Children in the early years make good progress in a stimulating learning environment that fosters enthusiasm and engagement. The curriculum is designed to inspire pupils, with strong teaching across various subjects that enhances vocabulary development. However, there are instances where the work set for the most able pupils lacks sufficient challenge, which is an area identified for further improvement.
To enhance teaching and learning, the school aims to ensure that all pupils, particularly those with lower abilities, receive tailored support to facilitate strong progress. Effective communication between teachers and teaching assistants is essential to monitor pupil progress accurately. Additionally, the school is focused on planning engaging and challenging work for the most able pupils and ensuring timely interventions in early years to maximize children’s progress.
Leadership and management are further strengthened by a commitment to broadening pupils’ cultural development. The school recognizes the need for a cohesive strategy to teach about different faiths and cultures, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. Subject leaders are encouraged to support teachers in deepening pupils’ learning, particularly for the most able.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring that all staff understand their responsibilities in keeping children safe. Record-keeping is meticulous, and there are strong links with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils. The school environment is perceived as safe and nurturing by both pupils and parents.
Overall, Branton St Wilfrid’s Church of England Primary School has made commendable strides in improving educational outcomes and fostering a positive learning environment. The commitment to continuous improvement, effective leadership, and a supportive community contributes to the school’s success. The focus on enhancing teaching quality, cultural awareness, and tailored support for all pupils will further solidify the school’s reputation as a place of excellent education.
