Longworth Primary School, located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was inspected on July 9 and 10, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The school has a strong reputation for providing a positive learning environment where pupils are happy and eager to learn. The staff's understanding of each pupil's individual needs fosters a supportive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration among students of different ages. Older pupils often assist younger ones, enhancing the sense of community within the school.
The school's values are well integrated into daily life, promoting a nurturing environment where high behavioral expectations are upheld. Disruption to learning is rare, and staff provide additional support to those who may struggle with behavior management. Pupils feel safe and valued, benefiting from thoughtful pastoral care that teaches them to look after themselves and their peers. The early years provision is particularly effective, with children enjoying a variety of outdoor activities that prepare them for future educational steps.
Longworth Primary School is ambitious for all its pupils, aiming to provide a comprehensive education that enables them to thrive. Recent initiatives have been introduced to enhance the curriculum, and while these are already yielding positive results, staff acknowledge the need for ongoing refinement to ensure all pupils achieve their potential across the curriculum. The new curriculum is designed to clearly outline the knowledge pupils need to acquire, with lessons logically sequenced to reinforce prior learning. Teachers frequently check understanding and adapt their teaching accordingly, although some areas of the curriculum still require further development to ensure consistent application of previous learning.
In the early years, staff are attentive to individual children's needs, providing targeted support in early reading and mathematics. However, there is a recognition that these subjects could be more effectively integrated into play activities to reinforce learning. Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with strong phonics instruction helping pupils to quickly grasp sounds and letters. The school promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including a weekly assembly that encourages sharing stories and exploring diverse literature.
The school culture emphasizes respect, and pupils understand the importance of treating one another well. While behavior in classrooms is generally positive, there are instances outside the classroom where some pupils do not consistently meet the school's high expectations. The school is actively working to address this and ensure that all pupils exhibit appropriate behavior throughout the school environment.
Longworth Primary School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and trips that broaden pupils' understanding of the world. These experiences are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all pupils can participate. However, attendance remains a concern for some pupils, impacting their learning opportunities. The school is committed to improving attendance rates and is implementing strategies to support pupils in attending regularly.
The safeguarding arrangements at Longworth Primary School are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and their welfare is prioritized. The school is focused on refining its curriculum implementation and addressing attendance issues to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. Overall, Longworth Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its students.
