Raughton Head Church of England Primary School, located in Carlisle, Cumbria, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection in July 2019. The leadership and management of the school are deemed good, with the headteacher demonstrating focused and effective leadership that has led to significant improvements across all areas of the school’s work. The school has established a strong culture of reading, with pupils showing enthusiasm for both fiction and non-fiction. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good, with teachers effectively identifying gaps in pupils’ knowledge and planning activities accordingly.
Pupils in the early years make good progress, benefiting from a well-structured curriculum that captures their interest and enthusiasm for learning. Phonics is taught effectively, enabling younger pupils to read confidently and write accurately. The school promotes positive behavior, with pupils exhibiting exceptional respect towards one another and adults. They demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and feel safe in their environment, contributing to attendance rates that are higher than the national average.
Despite the overall positive outcomes, there are areas for further improvement. Older pupils are still addressing gaps in their learning due to previously weaker teaching. The school’s governors have a good understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement, and they are actively developing their skills to assess the school’s performance accurately. The headteacher has implemented a new curriculum policy and assessment procedures, which have been positively received by parents and carers.
The school is committed to enhancing the quality of leadership and management by developing the skills of relatively new leaders and improving the assessment capabilities of governors. Additionally, there is a focus on raising the quality of teaching and learning, particularly in writing across subjects other than English, and embedding systems to improve spelling.
The personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils are outstanding. Staff know the pupils and their families exceptionally well, addressing the emotional needs of vulnerable pupils through various initiatives. Pupils report that incidents of bullying are rare, and they feel confident that staff will address any concerns. The school fosters a sense of community, with older pupils taking on responsibilities and participating in charitable activities.
In terms of outcomes, the majority of pupils make good progress across subjects, with many reaching higher standards in reading and mathematics. The school’s approach to teaching ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs also make good progress due to effective support and teaching strategies.
The early years provision is rated as good, with all children in Reception achieving a good level of development. The staff’s understanding of early years requirements and their ability to create engaging learning experiences contribute to the children’s positive start in school. The learning environment is well-resourced, and children show high levels of interest and respect for one another.
Overall, Raughton Head Church of England Primary School is a good school with a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The leadership team is focused on enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential in a supportive and nurturing environment.
