Queen's Drive Primary School, located in Fulwood, Preston, underwent an inspection on December 10-11, 2013, and received an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. The school has demonstrated significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as good. The leadership and management of the headteacher have been pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, resulting in outstanding achievements across all pupil groups, including those in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Pupils consistently make at least good and often outstanding progress, with attainment levels in reading, writing, and mathematics significantly above average.
The quality of teaching at Queen's Drive is consistently good, with many instances of outstanding practice. Teachers effectively challenge the most able pupils, leading to high numbers achieving above-average levels in English and mathematics. The school is committed to building on its existing strengths in teaching to further enhance educational outcomes. Pupils exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, contributing positively to their educational experience. Behaviour is outstanding, and pupils report feeling very safe within the school environment. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, reflecting a strong partnership between home and school.
The inspection team observed 21 lessons and conducted additional visits to assess pupil interactions and behaviour. Meetings with pupils, school council members, governors, and senior staff provided further insights into the school's operations. The inspectors also reviewed pupils' current work, assessments, and feedback from parents through the Parent View online questionnaire. The school is larger than average, with a diverse pupil population, including a significant proportion from minority ethnic groups. The number of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is below average, yet those who are eligible make good progress.
The school has received numerous external awards, including the County Sports award, and meets the government's floor standards for pupil attainment and progress. To further improve, the school aims to leverage the expertise of outstanding teachers to enhance the skills of consistently good teachers, ensuring a uniform standard of outstanding teaching across all age groups.
Pupils' achievements are attributed to their motivation and the engaging, challenging work set by teachers. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that all pupils receive tailored support to progress effectively. The curriculum is designed to extend pupils' knowledge while allowing them to apply their skills across various subjects. The school promotes physical education and healthy lifestyles, with high participation rates in sports and extracurricular activities.
Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of safety, including internet safety, and are aware of different types of bullying. They actively participate in school responsibilities, such as the school council and eco-council, showcasing their commitment to the school community. The leadership team, including senior and middle leaders, effectively drives improvement, with robust systems in place for monitoring teaching quality and pupil progress. Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for development, providing both support and accountability.
Overall, Queen's Drive Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, with a clear focus on continuous improvement, high standards of teaching, and a commitment to the well-being and achievement of all pupils. The school is well-positioned to maintain its outstanding status and continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for its students.
