Wigton Moor Primary School, located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, has recently undergone an inspection on the 4th and 5th of October 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The school has consistently maintained this high standard since its last inspection in May 2011, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in education. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as outstanding.
The school embodies its motto, everyone learns and everyone achieves, because everyone matters, which is reflected in the behavior and attitudes of both pupils and staff. Pupils are described as polite, sensible, and considerate, living up to the high expectations set by school leaders. They excel academically, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, with oracy being a central focus of the curriculum. The inclusive environment fosters kindness and respect among pupils, with initiatives like One World Week celebrating the school's diverse community.
Pupils' behavior is exemplary, with rare instances of bullying reported. The school's behavior rules, known as the 4C rules—courtesy, care, cooperation, and common sense—are well understood and followed by all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school prioritizes the safety and happiness of its pupils, ensuring that all feel secure and supported.
Wigton Moor Primary School offers a broad and ambitious curriculum that is carefully designed to build knowledge, skills, and vocabulary from early years onward. The curriculum is structured into manageable steps, allowing pupils to grasp foundational concepts before progressing to more complex material. This approach has led to exceptional performance among pupils, particularly in core subjects. Teachers actively monitor pupil understanding and adjust the pace of learning as needed, which deepens knowledge and prepares students for more challenging tasks.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with daily storytime sessions and a strong emphasis on matching reading materials to pupils' phonetic knowledge. Staff are well-trained in early reading instruction, enabling them to quickly identify and support pupils who require additional help. The school promotes a culture of reading, with pupil reading ambassadors encouraging their peers to explore diverse literature that reflects various characters and cultures.
The school fosters a culture of high expectations and routines, which are evident in the strong relationships between pupils and staff. Lessons are rarely interrupted, and pupils demonstrate self-regulation and cooperation during social times. Older pupils take on leadership roles, supporting younger students and promoting positive interactions.
Staff at Wigton Moor feel valued and supported, with leaders prioritizing professional development and mentoring. This commitment to staff growth contributes to the overall quality of education provided to pupils. The governing body plays an active role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring the school's vision is realized.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, creating a safe and nurturing environment for all pupils. The school is larger than the average primary school, with a diverse student body, and does not utilize alternative provision. The recent inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inspectors took the impact of this period into account during their assessment. Overall, Wigton Moor Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, fostering an environment where every pupil can thrive.
