Carisbrooke Church of England Controlled Primary School, located in Newport on the Isle of Wight, has recently undergone an inspection on the 26th and 27th of September 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving a good rating. Notably, personal development has been recognized as outstanding. The school has maintained its previous inspection grade of good, reflecting its consistent performance.
Pupils at Carisbrooke are proud of their inclusive environment, which is underpinned by the school’s values and the mantra of treating everyone with respect. The strong relationships between staff and pupils foster a nurturing atmosphere where students feel safe and are eager to meet high expectations. Behaviour throughout the school is commendable, with a positive learning culture evident in calm and orderly classrooms. Pupils express that no one feels lonely, and they enjoy engaging playtimes with friends. The school promotes kindness and courtesy among pupils, contributing to a harmonious school environment.
The curriculum at Carisbrooke is designed to provide a wide range of experiences that enhance learning, including sailing lessons and residential trips to London. Pupils are encouraged to voice their opinions and participate in various initiatives, such as the Pupils’ Parliament and travel ambassador roles. Extracurricular activities, including clubs and charity events, are well-attended, demonstrating pupils' enthusiasm for contributing to their community.
The school excels in personal development, equipping pupils with the skills to identify risks and seek help when needed. They gain a strong understanding of social media challenges and engage in meaningful discussions about significant topics. The curriculum encourages pupils to explore different beliefs and understand the impact of their actions on others. Initiatives like eco-captains promote environmental awareness and responsibility among students.
The curriculum is ambitiously planned, with leaders carefully sequencing the knowledge pupils need to learn. While most subjects are well-structured, some areas require further refinement to ensure all pupils can build on prior knowledge effectively. Subject leaders are knowledgeable and provide valuable support to staff. Assessment practices in core subjects are effective, allowing for careful tracking of pupil progress. However, the assessment processes in non-core subjects are still developing and need to be consistently applied to identify learning gaps.
Pupils achieve well across the curriculum, benefiting from teachers' secure subject knowledge and well-designed tasks that build on their understanding. In early years, a focus on communication and language supports vocabulary development. Reading is prioritized, with staff effectively delivering the early reading programme, ensuring pupils become fluent and expressive readers. The love for reading is fostered through a diverse range of literature shared in classrooms.
Governance at the school is strong, with governors providing effective support and challenge to leaders. Collaborative work within the federation enhances professional development opportunities for staff, who appreciate the consideration given to their workload. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to clarify essential learning in a few subjects to enhance pupils' ability to build on prior knowledge. Additionally, the assessment expectations in foundation subjects require establishment to ensure teachers can effectively identify knowledge gaps and adapt learning accordingly. Overall, Carisbrooke Church of England Controlled Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils.
