Priory Junior School is recognized for its inclusive and positive environment, where leaders maintain high expectations for all students. The school's core values, encapsulated in the acronym PRIDE, which stands for peace, respect, independence, determination, and equality, play a significant role in shaping the behavior and learning of pupils. Students are well aware of these values and appreciate the rewards they receive for demonstrating them. The atmosphere within the school is calm and orderly, with pupils exhibiting politeness and good manners. They express satisfaction with their teachers, noting their fairness and kindness, and enjoy engaging lessons that are made interesting by the educators. During breaks, students interact positively, and instances of bullying are reported to be rare, with confidence in staff to address any issues that may arise.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular clubs, including gymnastics, football, magical maths, street dance, and gardening, which many pupils participate in. Students also have opportunities to take on responsibilities within the school, such as serving as parliament representatives, peace representatives, and house captains. These roles allow them to contribute meaningfully to the school community and help promote the values of the institution.
Leaders have developed a comprehensive curriculum that is ambitious and well-structured, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Teachers are skilled in presenting information clearly and effectively, using questioning techniques to assess understanding and facilitate discussions that deepen learning.
The reading curriculum has seen significant improvements, with leaders ensuring that pupils acquire essential skills and knowledge for reading success. Teachers employ well-chosen activities to enhance vocabulary and comprehension, and assessments are utilized to identify students needing additional support. In mathematics, pupils are developing strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, alongside a solid grasp of mathematical facts and methods.
While assessment practices are effective in some subjects, there are areas where they are still developing, particularly in foundation subjects. This can lead to gaps in knowledge not being identified, which may hinder some pupils from achieving their full potential. Additionally, while leaders effectively support pupils with complex needs, there are instances where some students with special educational needs do not receive the necessary adaptations in teaching, impacting their achievement.
The school places a strong emphasis on behavior management, with clear expectations communicated to pupils. Support is provided to help them manage their behavior, resulting in a conducive learning environment. Staff are proactive in addressing any off-task behavior, fostering positive attitudes towards learning.
Personal development is prioritized, with pupils learning about healthy lifestyles, relationships, and cultural diversity. They gain a solid understanding of British values and have opportunities to participate in democratic processes within the school. The leadership team is well-regarded, with staff expressing satisfaction in their roles and feeling supported in managing their workloads. Governors are actively involved, providing both support and challenge to the school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained to recognize and respond to potential risks. Leaders maintain thorough safeguarding records and collaborate with external agencies to support pupils and their families. Overall, Priory Junior School is a well-led institution that fosters a positive learning environment, although there are areas for improvement in assessment practices and support for certain pupils.
