Pembridge CofE Primary School is a small voluntary aided primary school located in Leominster, Herefordshire. The school has received an outstanding rating in its recent inspection, reflecting its strong leadership, high-quality teaching, and excellent pupil achievement. The acting headteachers have effectively maintained established systems for monitoring and developing teaching, ensuring that pupils make outstanding progress across all subjects. The school has a positive learning environment where pupils exhibit exemplary attitudes towards learning, actively engaging in lessons with enthusiasm.
The quality of teaching is exceptional, with teachers demonstrating high expectations and planning lessons that challenge and interest pupils. Marking practices across the school provide clear guidance for improvement, helping pupils understand how to enhance their work. The school is also making strides in developing new assessment arrangements to align with the National Curriculum requirements. Leaders at all levels are adept at identifying strengths and areas for development, taking swift action to uphold high standards.
In the early years, the provision is outstanding, with adults skillfully motivating and managing children, fostering a love of learning and rapid progress across various skills. Children are well-prepared for the transition to Key Stage 1. The school community is strong, with pupils expressing pride in their school and parents showing high levels of satisfaction, although there is room for improvement in involving parents in the initial assessment of children entering Reception.
The school offers a broad curriculum that promotes pupils' social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development effectively. Pupils develop key values such as respect and tolerance, contributing to a happy and supportive school atmosphere. The school's commitment to safeguarding is outstanding, with pupils displaying exemplary behavior and politeness.
The inspection involved observing lessons, discussions with staff and governors, and reviewing various documents, including pupils' work and progress data. The governing body is highly effective, providing strong support and challenge to the school leadership. They are well-informed about the school's performance and actively monitor various aspects, including finances and the impact of additional funding.
Pupils enter Reception with skills that are generally in line with or above expectations for their age and make rapid progress, achieving or exceeding a good level of development by the end of the year. The school has consistently attained high standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, with pupils making outstanding progress throughout their time at the school. The achievement of all groups, including those with special educational needs, is remarkable, with effective support ensuring that every pupil reaches their potential.
Overall, Pembridge CofE Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, characterized by outstanding leadership, teaching, and pupil achievement. The school is well-regarded by parents and the local authority, and it continues to foster an environment where pupils thrive academically and personally. The commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of pupils positions the school as a vital part of the community, dedicated to providing a high-quality education for all its students.
