Exhall Junior School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on June 20 and 21, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, which reflects ongoing challenges in delivering a consistently high-quality education. The quality of education was also rated as requiring improvement, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, were rated as good. Leadership and management were similarly assessed as requiring improvement, indicating that while there are positive aspects, significant work remains to be done.
The school is described as a welcoming and happy environment where pupils feel cared for and supported. Staff are dedicated to addressing any concerns pupils may have, and additional pastoral support is available in the Rainbow room for those in need. High expectations for behaviour are set by leaders, and pupils generally meet these expectations, demonstrating exceptional behaviour and a strong understanding of the school’s values of being safe, respectful, and ready. Pupils take pride in their achievements and celebrate the successes of their peers during assemblies.
Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as being Rainbow rangers or sports leaders, which fosters a sense of community and teamwork. They participate in various clubs and activities, including cookery and sports, and engage in educational trips that enhance their learning experiences. However, despite these positive aspects, some areas of the curriculum are not yet fully embedded, which affects the overall learning experience for pupils.
Leaders have ambitious goals for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They have made recent changes to the curriculum, but some subjects are less well embedded than others, leading to inconsistencies in teaching and learning. Teachers sometimes lack clarity on the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire, resulting in gaps in learning across certain subjects.
While pupils generally enjoy their lessons and remain focused, the effectiveness of assessment in some foundation subjects is still developing. This lack of effective assessment means that teachers may not fully understand what knowledge pupils possess or what they need to learn next. Additionally, the school has made efforts to promote a love of reading, but there is a need for a more consistent approach to support weaker readers, ensuring they receive appropriate materials and strategies to improve their reading skills.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding in place. Staff are well-trained and understand their responsibilities in keeping pupils safe. The curriculum includes lessons on managing risk and understanding healthy relationships, contributing to pupils’ overall well-being.
Despite the positive environment and the dedication of staff, the school faces challenges in improving the quality of education. Leaders need to continue embedding curriculum changes and refining assessment practices to ensure that all pupils receive the support they need to succeed. Additionally, governors must enhance their role in challenging leaders to improve educational quality and ensure that strategic planning is focused on the most critical areas for development. Overall, while Exhall Junior School has strengths, there is a clear need for ongoing improvement to meet the educational needs of all its pupils effectively.
