Highlands Primary School, located in Ilford, Essex, has been recognized for its outstanding performance in various aspects of education. The school has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management, with leaders at all levels, including governors, showing a strong commitment to providing the best education for every pupil. The school has cultivated a distinctive culture that actively seeks to identify and eliminate barriers to learning, ensuring that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, make significant progress.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment at Highlands Primary School is also outstanding. Teachers are dedicated to fostering a stimulating learning environment, utilizing a variety of resources, including books and texts, to engage pupils. The teaching of mathematics is particularly effective, contributing to pupils' strong progress in this subject. The school emphasizes the importance of vocabulary and comprehension, with pupils actively participating in discussions about words and their meanings.
Pupils at Highlands Primary School exhibit exemplary behavior and respect for one another. They listen attentively to each other's ideas and support one another in their learning endeavors. This positive atmosphere significantly impacts their academic progress. The school has established strong relationships that help pupils feel safe and confident, encouraging them to take risks in their learning without fear of making mistakes. The leadership in the early years is robust, demonstrating a clear ambition for children's development and ensuring that they receive high-quality education from the outset.
Despite the school's many strengths, there are areas for improvement. The school aims to refine its teaching and learning approaches further to ensure that all pupils, particularly the most able, achieve maximum progress across all subjects. Additionally, efforts to improve attendance rates are ongoing, as the school seeks to raise attendance levels even higher.
The governing body plays a crucial role in the school's success, providing informed oversight and contributing significantly to its development. Governors are actively involved in monitoring the school's effectiveness and ensuring that high standards are maintained. They engage in regular reviews of pupil progress and the use of funding, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support those in need.
Safeguarding measures at Highlands Primary School are effective, with thorough procedures in place to protect pupils. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding practices, and the school collaborates with external agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The curriculum is designed to promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Overall, Highlands Primary School is a vibrant learning community where pupils thrive academically and personally. The school's commitment to excellence is evident in its outstanding outcomes for pupils, who consistently achieve high standards across all subjects. The leadership team's dedication to continuous improvement ensures that the school remains focused on providing the best possible education for all its pupils, preparing them well for their future educational journeys.