Trinity Church of England Primary School in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, has recently undergone an inspection on December 5 and 6, 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is characterized by a happy, inclusive, and nurturing environment where pupils exhibit good behavior and feel safe and valued. The leadership team, along with the governing body, maintains high ambitions for all students, which is reflected in the engaging curriculum that emphasizes the school’s values. Pupils demonstrate strong academic performance in reading, writing, and mathematics, although some wider subjects require further development. Leaders are aware of these areas and have identified necessary actions to enhance the curriculum.
Pupils take pride in their leadership roles, such as play leaders and prefects, and show care for their peers and the environment. The school promotes values of empathy and community through teachings like the Good Samaritan parable. Diversity is celebrated through various initiatives, including a languages day, and a wide range of extracurricular clubs is available, catering for diverse interests. The school ensures that disadvantaged pupils are well represented in all activities, ensuring inclusivity.
Pastoral care is a notable strength of the school, with various support systems in place, including therapeutic sessions and a school counselor. Parents express appreciation for the school’s commitment to supporting their children, often stating that the school goes above and beyond in its efforts.
The school excels in its approach to reading, fostering a passion for books among pupils of all ages. Early language and phonics instruction is effectively delivered, enabling children to make rapid progress in their reading skills. The reading curriculum in key stage two further enhances pupils' writing abilities. The new leadership team, which began in September 2023, has rapidly driven improvements across the curriculum, ensuring high expectations for all subjects. Pupils achieve well in core subjects, with clear and consistent teaching methods employed in mathematics and early years education.
However, some recently revised subjects, such as history and art and design, have not yet reached the same level of success. While the planning for these subjects is ambitious, the design of tasks does not consistently support effective learning and retention of key knowledge. Leaders are aware of this and are focusing on professional development for staff to ensure all subjects are taught effectively.
Parents commend the school’s efforts to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school actively involves families in identifying needs and provides tailored support to ensure all pupils can achieve their potential. Feedback from teachers is generally timely and constructive, although there are instances where it does not accurately address misconceptions, which can hinder learning.
Pupils demonstrate strong engagement and concentration, particularly in early years, and are encouraged to discuss their learning with enthusiasm. Attendance is high, thanks to effective collaboration with families. Personal development is prioritized, with initiatives like the Mayor’s Award encouraging community involvement and raising global awareness among pupils.
The leadership team shows dedication and compassion, particularly towards disadvantaged families, and governors contribute valuable expertise. The school has made impressive strides in its first term under new leadership, fostering a supportive environment for staff and promoting further improvements. Overall, pupils thrive in this ambitious and caring school, which is committed to providing a high-quality education. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. The school is encouraged to refine lesson activities and feedback mechanisms to enhance learning outcomes further.
