St Hilary School, located in Penzance, Cornwall, has recently undergone an inspection on the 26th and 27th of September 2023, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is led by headteacher Robin Hamshar and is part of the Leading Edge Academies Partnership, which involves shared responsibilities with other schools in the trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Kelley Butcher and a board of trustees chaired by Jackie Anne Eason, MBE.
The school is characterized by its welcoming and inclusive environment, where pupils demonstrate respect towards both adults and peers. Students express a sense of belonging and pride in their school community, often highlighting the kindness they experience. The school promotes positive friendships and encourages pupils to strive for their best in both academic and personal development. Older students actively participate in the school parliament, taking their roles seriously and engaging in the democratic process.
St Hilary School offers numerous opportunities for pupils to connect with their local community, including career discussions with local villagers. The school provides a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, choir, art, and British sign language, which enrich the students' educational experience. The curriculum is ambitious, with a focus on essential knowledge and vocabulary, and the thoughtful integration of technology supports independent learning, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
While the school has made significant strides in its curriculum, some subjects have recently undergone changes, leading to inconsistencies in teaching. This can affect how well pupils learn in those areas. The school maintains a strong emphasis on reading, with initiatives like a well-developed library and regular reading sessions in classrooms. The newly introduced phonics curriculum is effectively implemented, ensuring that children begin learning sounds early in their education.
Pupils are generally engaged and enjoy their lessons, benefiting from hands-on experiences such as fieldwork in geography. The school employs quizzes to reinforce learning, although there is room for improvement in tracking knowledge retention over longer periods. The school fosters a calm learning environment, teaching children important routines and social skills from the outset. Support is readily available for pupils who need assistance managing their emotions, ensuring that all students receive the help they require.
The broader development of pupils is a priority, with a well-implemented personal, social, and health education curriculum. Students learn about relationships, personal safety, and respect for diverse families and individuals. The school encourages pupils to nurture their talents, with many learning to play musical instruments during their time there.
Leadership at St Hilary School is strong, with leaders at all levels understanding their roles and responsibilities. The school engages meaningfully with parents, fostering a supportive community. Staff members report high levels of satisfaction regarding the support they receive.
The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring consistent teaching across all subjects and enhancing methods for assessing long-term knowledge retention. The school is committed to addressing these areas to further enhance the educational experience for its pupils. Overall, St Hilary School is a supportive and effective learning environment that prioritizes the development and well-being of its students.
