Greatham CofE Primary School is a smaller than average-sized primary school located in Hartlepool. The school has received a good overall effectiveness rating in its latest inspection, with outstanding ratings in leadership and management, as well as personal development, behavior, and welfare. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is rated as good, and early years provision is also considered good. The school has a strong culture of high expectations and a commitment to achieving strong academic outcomes for all pupils. Senior leaders have been effective in implementing improvement strategies that have led to significant enhancements in both provision and pupil outcomes.
The school has established a positive learning environment where pupils are engaged and make consistent progress. Strong subject expertise among teachers has contributed to outstanding outcomes in reading and mathematics, particularly at key stage two. However, while pupils excel in these areas, the same level of progress is not consistently observed in writing across all year groups. The school is aware of this and is actively working to enhance writing outcomes.
Governors play an active role in the school, providing support and challenge to ensure accountability for performance. They have developed their skills to better support the school’s ethos and work closely with senior leaders to evaluate the impact of additional funding on teaching and pupil progress. The school has made significant strides in improving early years provision, with enhanced outdoor learning environments and strong relationships that support children’s progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at Greatham CofE Primary School are effective, with all staff and governors prioritizing pupil welfare. The school community works collaboratively to maintain high standards of behavior and welfare, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. The school’s curriculum is broad and balanced, promoting academic, social, and personal development, with a strong emphasis on spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, the school recognizes the need to further improve the quality of teaching in writing and to provide more opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge and apply their understanding across the wider curriculum, including subjects like history and geography. The school is committed to addressing these areas for improvement to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential.
In summary, Greatham CofE Primary School is a good school with outstanding leadership and management. The school fosters a positive learning environment where pupils are engaged and make good progress. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in writing and the wider curriculum, the school is dedicated to continuous improvement and ensuring high standards for all its pupils. The commitment of staff, governors, and the wider school community contributes to a nurturing and effective educational experience for all students.
