Thorley Hill Primary School, located in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on March 26 and 27, 2024. The school is characterized by a positive and supportive environment where pupils demonstrate politeness and confidence. They engage actively in lessons, adhering to established routines and showing a genuine enjoyment for learning. During playtimes, students utilize the well-equipped outdoor spaces to play together harmoniously. Assemblies serve as a platform for pupils to learn about core values and celebrate their achievements, embodying the school motto of respect, believe, achieve, and striving to be a Brilliant Blue.
Pupils express that they feel safe and well cared for within the school community. They are aware of the Worry Monster, a tool designed to help them communicate any concerns to staff promptly. The school provides adequate support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can participate fully in all activities alongside their peers. The curriculum is designed to offer a wide range of enriching experiences, including educational trips to historical sites like Hampton Court and various places of worship. These experiences are complemented by numerous opportunities for sports and extracurricular clubs, fostering a well-rounded education. Older students particularly look forward to residential trips that include outdoor and adventurous activities, while many take on leadership roles such as librarians and house captains.
The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that is carefully structured to build on pupils' prior knowledge. Lessons are designed to include time for reviewing and revisiting previous learning, which deepens understanding and enhances achievement across subjects. Staff members possess strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, particularly in mathematics, where lessons encourage exploration, practice, and self-challenge. This structured approach helps pupils develop fluency and reasoning skills, as well as subject-specific vocabulary.
Reading is prioritized throughout the curriculum, with early years pupils quickly learning to recognize and blend sounds. Regular assessments ensure that pupils are reading books appropriate to their level, fostering a love for reading and enabling them to achieve well. The school’s library is well-resourced, and older pupils enjoy discussing the books they have read. Staff are adept at identifying when pupils require additional support, adapting activities to ensure all students, including those with SEND, can access the high-quality curriculum.
While the school has made recent updates to its curriculum to better meet pupils' needs, some areas are still new and not yet fully embedded. There are gaps in knowledge that need addressing, and the school is focused on ensuring that the new curriculum plans are effectively implemented to support consistent achievement across all subjects. The school environment is calm and orderly, with pupils exhibiting excellent behavior in lessons and throughout the school. High attendance rates reflect the positive atmosphere.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-considered, providing extensive opportunities for emotional growth and personal development. Initiatives like Wellbeing Wednesdays enhance pupils' understanding of self-care and citizenship. The school prepares pupils effectively for their future educational journeys. Staff express pride in their work environment, noting the support they receive in managing workloads and professional development opportunities. Governors play a vital role in school improvement, providing strategic leadership and support.
The safeguarding arrangements at Thorley Hill Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school continues to strive for improvement, focusing on embedding new curriculum elements to enhance pupils' knowledge and skills across all areas of learning.
