Holy Trinity Primary School, located in Halifax, West Yorkshire, is a Church of England Academy that serves a larger-than-average student population. The school underwent an inspection on June 27 and 28, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. This marks a significant decline from its previous inspection, where it was rated Good. The inspection highlighted several areas needing attention, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as requiring improvement.
The school environment is generally positive, with most pupils displaying good behavior and enjoying their time at school. They engage enthusiastically in lessons, particularly when the content is engaging. However, a minority of pupils exhibit disruptive behavior that can affect the learning environment and make others feel unsafe. Reports of discriminatory name-calling have emerged, and not all pupils feel confident that staff will address these issues effectively. While school leaders have initiated strategies to improve behavior and attitudes, further efforts are necessary to ensure these strategies yield positive results for all students.
The curriculum provided by the school is broad and ambitious, aiming to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. However, the implementation of this curriculum is inconsistent, and pupils do not always learn as intended. Many subject leaders are new to their roles and are in the early stages of reviewing the curriculum's impact and supporting their colleagues. This inconsistency in learning outcomes has been noted, with some pupils excelling in subjects like art and mathematics, while others struggle to retain knowledge.
Extracurricular activities are a strong point for the school, with a variety of after-school clubs available, including sports, arts, and music. Pupils have opportunities to participate in leadership roles and community events, which contribute positively to their personal development. However, the school recognizes the need for improvement in its personal development curriculum, particularly in fostering respect and tolerance among pupils.
The school has made strides in promoting reading for pleasure, with daily reading sessions and initiatives to encourage pupils to engage with literature. Despite these efforts, there are inconsistencies in how effectively pupils who need additional support in reading are helped to catch up. A new phonics scheme is set to be introduced in September 2023 to address these challenges.
In terms of safeguarding, the school has effective arrangements in place, with staff receiving regular training and being vigilant about potential risks to pupils. However, there is a need for greater consistency in reporting incidents of discriminatory behavior.
To improve, the school must focus on ensuring effective curriculum implementation and monitoring, providing consistent support for pupils with special educational needs, and enhancing interactions in early years settings to promote language development. Additionally, staff must be trained to apply behavior policies consistently, fostering a culture of high expectations. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the school to enhance its overall effectiveness and ensure a safe, supportive learning environment for all pupils.
