Compton Church of England Primary School, located in Newbury, received an outstanding rating during its inspection on March 20-21, 2013. The school has shown remarkable improvement in its overall effectiveness over the past three years, achieving high-quality teaching that enables most pupils to make rapid progress. Teachers consistently design engaging lessons that challenge students appropriately, resulting in above-average standards in English and mathematics by the time pupils leave the school.
Pupils express great enjoyment in their learning and demonstrate enthusiasm in their studies. Their behavior is exemplary, and they feel safe from bullying. The leadership team, including the executive headteacher, headteacher, and associate headteacher, provides strong guidance and has the full support of the staff in driving improvements and raising standards. Teachers collaborate effectively, sharing successful methods and participating in a well-structured training program that enhances their skills.
The governing body plays a crucial role in supporting the school, maintaining a close watch on pupil performance and utilizing detailed reports from the leadership team to inform future planning. The inspection involved observing lessons, discussing reading habits with pupils, and reviewing various documents related to the school's performance and improvement plans.
The school is smaller than average, with a predominantly White British pupil population. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is below average, and there are no looked-after children or children from service families currently enrolled. The school meets the government's floor standards for pupil attainment and progress.
To further enhance its performance, the school aims to improve pupils' skills in presenting their work neatly by emphasizing handwriting and neatness during marking. The achievement of pupils is outstanding, with children entering the Reception class generally below expected levels in social, language, and number skills. However, they make swift progress and typically achieve above-average attainment by the end of Reception.
Pupils continue to excel throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, reaching above-average standards in English and mathematics by Year 6. The daily phonics teaching in Years 1 and 2 builds confidence in reading unfamiliar words, while older pupils read widely and fluently, demonstrating an understanding of different authors' styles. Writing skills are also strong, with many pupils showing creativity and flair in their work, although some occasionally present their work in a less tidy manner.
The quality of teaching is outstanding, with staff engaging pupils in meaningful conversations about their learning. Lessons are designed to maintain pupils' enthusiasm, incorporating discussions, research, and role-playing. The positive learning environment encourages pupils to work independently and collaboratively, with effective marking and feedback fostering a dialogue between pupils and teachers.
Pupils exhibit excellent behavior, are polite, and demonstrate a good understanding of safety and bullying. The leadership and management of the school are outstanding, with a commitment to high-quality teaching and promoting equality of opportunity. The senior leadership team effectively monitors teaching quality and pupil progress, ensuring that any weaknesses are addressed promptly.
The curriculum is enriched through various visits and clubs, emphasizing moral values and global issues, contributing significantly to pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. The governing body has transitioned smoothly, maintaining a strong focus on pupil performance and supporting the school's leaders in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Overall, Compton Church of England Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, providing a nurturing and effective learning environment for its pupils.
