West Jesmond Primary School, located in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, has been recognized for its outstanding performance during the inspection conducted on February 11-12, 2015. The school has shown remarkable progress since its previous inspection, where it was rated as good. The leadership and management, behavior and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, and early years provision have all been rated as outstanding.
The school is characterized by its aspirational target setting, which drives pupils to achieve high standards. The inclusive environment ensures that every pupil, including those with disabilities, special educational needs, or who speak English as an additional language, receives the support necessary to excel. The staff maintain high expectations and foster excellent relationships, which contribute to the high quality of teaching. Pupils demonstrate exemplary behavior both in classrooms and during social interactions, reflecting the positive culture established within the school.
The pastoral care provided is exceptional, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. The vibrant and exciting environment in the early years provision allows children to settle quickly and thrive. The curriculum is designed to ignite a love for learning and curiosity, although there is recognition that consistency in excellence across all classes is still a goal to be achieved. The school has developed a strong record of leadership, with the headteacher and deputy headteacher effectively sharing best practices and driving continuous improvement.
Governors play an active role in holding the school’s leaders accountable for performance and are well-informed about the quality of teaching. They work collaboratively with the leadership team to provide a clear vision for the school’s development and its role in the local community.
The inspection team observed lessons, engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, and reviewed documentation related to safeguarding, pupil progress, and the school’s self-evaluation. The school is larger than average, with a diverse pupil population, including a significant number from minority ethnic groups. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below average, and the school has successfully met the government’s floor standards.
To further improve, the school aims to fully implement its curriculum ambitions by sharing best practices in planning and content across all classes. The leadership team is committed to ensuring that all pupils benefit from the high-quality education the school strives to provide.
The school’s leadership is characterized by a relentless drive for high attainment and progress. The monitoring of effectiveness is robust, with accurate evaluations leading to effective actions for improvement. The focus on individual pupil needs is central to the school’s success, with rigorous systems in place to track and support learning.
The quality of teaching is outstanding, with pupils making rapid progress in their learning. Early reading skills are developed effectively, and high-quality questioning enhances pupils’ understanding. The school’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles through sports funding is evident, with a wide range of activities available to pupils.
Overall, West Jesmond Primary School exemplifies excellence in education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, high expectations, and a supportive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth for all its pupils.
