Holywell C of E Primary School in Needingworth, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was inspected on 8 and 9 October 2024. The school has been rated as good in all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Previously, the school was rated outstanding, and it had not undergone a routine inspection since June 2013 due to its previous high rating. The last ungraded inspection occurred in October 2020.
Pupils at Holywell C of E Primary School enjoy their time at school, particularly in subjects such as reading, mathematics, music, and history. The school enhances learning through educational visits, sports festivals, and specialist teaching. Extracurricular clubs, including football, choir, and computing, further enrich the students' experiences. Early years children adapt quickly to school life and engage actively in learning, becoming confident readers by the time they leave. Most pupils achieve well in national assessments, although school leaders acknowledge that there is potential for even greater achievement. The school is currently working on strategies to deepen pupils' understanding across all subjects, which is in the early stages of implementation.
The school environment is safe and harmonious, supported by its Christian ethos. Pupils are motivated to earn value stickers for demonstrating service and respect. They understand and follow the established rules and routines, and any behavioural incidents are managed fairly. The well-being of pupils is prioritized, with trained staff overseeing their mental and physical health. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have their needs accurately identified and supported.
The curriculum has been recently updated to ensure it is ambitious and meets the needs of all pupils. Staff are responding positively to the revised expectations, and effective interventions are in place for those requiring additional support, including pupils with SEND. However, there is still work to be done to clarify the depth of knowledge required for pupils to secure their learning fully. Some pupils may not be receiving sufficiently challenging work in certain subjects, which limits their potential for further learning.
Pupils are encouraged to read widely, with younger students learning essential sounds to develop reading fluency. Regular opportunities for reading practice with appropriately matched books help most pupils who struggle with reading to catch up quickly. The school monitors pupils' learning effectively, identifying gaps in knowledge, although the depth of understanding varies across subjects. There are instances where staff do not use assessments to tailor learning activities precisely, which can lead to missed opportunities for extending pupils' knowledge.
In early years, children learn independence and responsibility, contributing to classroom upkeep and caring for class pets. The focus on language and listening skills is strong, fostering curiosity and engagement in learning. Each pupil with SEND has a tailored support plan, and leaders monitor their progress closely. While most pupils with SEND achieve well, there are cases where the work set does not meet their needs promptly.
Behaviour in the school is generally good, with decreasing incidents of poor behaviour attributed to effective management strategies. A new behaviour approach is helping pupils understand how to manage their emotions better. The school has successfully engaged families to ensure regular attendance.
The personal development programme is well-structured, teaching pupils about different cultures, religions, and the importance of democracy. The school emphasizes its twelve values, providing opportunities for pupils to reflect on their moral development. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, ensuring effective safeguarding measures are in place. Overall, the school is committed to continuous improvement and fostering a positive learning environment for all its pupils.
