Burnley Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 19 and 20 October 2022. The school embodies strong Christian values, which are reflected in the positive attitudes of its pupils. The school’s vision, “Growing and learning through Christ in faith, family and friendship,” is central to its operations and is well understood by the students. Pupils express enjoyment in their school experience, feeling happy and safe while meeting high expectations for behavior. They demonstrate politeness and courtesy towards one another and the staff, fostering positive relationships within the school community. The school promotes respect and inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of school life. Reports from pupils indicate that bullying is rare, and when it does occur, it is taken seriously and addressed effectively by the staff.
The commitment of pupils to their learning is evident as they take pride in their work and strive to meet the high expectations set by their teachers. Older students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, serving as ambassadors for various aspects of school life, including faith and sports. Parents and carers express positive sentiments about the school and its leadership, appreciating the inclusive environment and the sense of community it fosters.
The school’s leadership is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The curriculum is rich and broad, allowing pupils to learn about their local area and the wider world. Leaders have carefully identified essential knowledge in each subject and the sequence in which it should be taught, ensuring that all pupils receive the necessary support and resources to access the full curriculum. The Reception curriculum is well-structured, enabling children to achieve across all areas of learning. However, there are some gaps in linking early years learning to the key stage one curriculum, which can hinder effective progression in some subjects.
Most pupils are able to connect new learning with prior knowledge, and opportunities to revisit previous concepts help reinforce their understanding over time. Teachers effectively use assessments to inform pupils about their strengths and areas for improvement. Nonetheless, in certain subjects, the curriculum lacks clearly defined end points, which can lead to lower expectations for pupil achievement.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with all staff trained in phonics instruction. Pupils enjoy reading and have access to a diverse range of books, with additional support provided for those who need it to catch up quickly. Behaviour in lessons and during breaks is commendable, with staff managing it effectively.
The school offers a variety of opportunities for pupils’ wider development, including music, drama, sports, and community service. Enrichment activities such as trips and guest speakers enhance the educational experience, helping pupils understand their local history and the broader world. The school emphasizes the importance of tolerance, respect, and understanding, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
Staff feel valued and supported by the leadership team, which is committed to their well-being and workload management. Governors are actively involved in the school, using their expertise to challenge and support leaders in maintaining high educational standards and safeguarding practices.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance in place. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, and there are robust systems for the recruitment of school personnel. Leaders are proactive in identifying pupils and families needing additional support, collaborating with external agencies to ensure safety and well-being. Pupils are educated on safety, both in person and online, and know how to report any concerns.
To improve, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum clearly defines end points in all subjects and strengthens the links between early years and key stage one learning. This will help all pupils build on their prior knowledge effectively.
