Windmill Primary School, located in Headington, Oxford, has been recognized as an outstanding institution following its inspection in June 2015. The school is led by a headteacher who is well-supported by governors and staff, fostering a vision centered on achievement through community, creativity, and challenge. Pupils at Windmill Primary School demonstrate excellent progress throughout their time at the school, with Year 6 students achieving standards significantly above the national average in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The leadership and management of the school are rated as outstanding, with leaders rigorously monitoring the quality of teaching and learning. This commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in the support provided to teachers, who are encouraged to enhance their skills. Lessons are designed to engage and excite students, resulting in high-quality work that is often displayed throughout the school. Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting pupil progress, contributing significantly to the overall learning environment.
Pupil safety and well-being are prioritized, with students expressing a strong understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. The school environment promotes politeness and respect, with pupils forming strong friendships across age groups. Their positive attitudes towards learning are evident, as they eagerly discuss their work and support one another.
In the early years, children make exceptional progress, benefiting from a rich variety of experiences that prepare them well for Year 1. The school takes pride in its music programs, which allow pupils to collaborate with professional musicians and perform for the community. Subject and year leaders demonstrate a deep understanding of their responsibilities, providing effective leadership that drives further improvements.
Governors are actively involved in monitoring the school's performance, asking insightful questions and engaging with pupils to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, fostering reflective individuals who are aware of the world around them. British values are embedded in the school's ethos, encouraging respect and tolerance among students.
The inspection team observed teaching across various lessons and held discussions with staff, governors, and pupils. They reviewed documentation related to the school's development plans, safeguarding measures, and pupil progress records. The feedback from staff and parents was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the school's effectiveness in providing a supportive and enriching educational experience.
Windmill Primary School is characterized by its inclusive approach, ensuring equal opportunities for all pupils. The curriculum is engaging and diverse, offering numerous opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding of various subjects. The school effectively utilizes pupil premium funding to support disadvantaged students, ensuring they make significant progress.
The quality of teaching is consistently high, with teachers demonstrating a thorough understanding of their pupils' needs. They set high expectations and adapt lessons to ensure all students are challenged appropriately. The school's commitment to developing pupils' reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematics is evident, as is its focus on fostering a love of reading and writing.
Overall, Windmill Primary School is an exemplary institution that provides an outstanding education for its pupils. The strong leadership, dedicated staff, and supportive community contribute to an environment where students thrive academically and socially, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.
