The Gateway Primary Free School, located in Grays, Essex, has undergone significant improvements since its previous inspection, moving from a status of requiring improvement to being rated as good in all areas. The leadership team, characterized by ambition and determination, has effectively raised educational standards and improved the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing most teachers to engage pupils and facilitate their progress. The school has successfully addressed previous weaknesses, leading to better outcomes for pupils, particularly in reading and writing.
Pupils at the school demonstrate good behavior both in and out of lessons, showing politeness and a strong desire to learn. The early years provision is particularly strong, with adults effectively utilizing resources and activities to promote good progress and behavior among children. The curriculum is broad, preparing pupils well for their future educational journeys, although there are areas, particularly in Year 6, where further development is needed to ensure consistency across subjects.
The school has made commendable strides in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have effectively utilized additional funding to help these pupils overcome barriers to learning, ensuring they achieve well. The school’s approach to reading has been notably successful, with pupils expressing enjoyment in reading and demonstrating enthusiasm during lessons. The teaching of writing and mathematics has also improved, although there are still areas where expectations for the most able pupils can be raised.
Despite the overall positive environment, there are areas for further improvement. Some teachers do not consistently maintain high expectations regarding the presentation of pupils' work, and there is a need for more rigorous challenges for the most able pupils in mathematics. The school is aware of these areas and is actively working to ensure that best practices in teaching and assessment are consistently applied across all year groups.
The leadership team has established clear strategies for monitoring and improving standards, celebrating successes while also addressing areas needing enhancement. The governance of the school is robust, with the trust board holding leaders accountable for the quality of education provided. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported in their learning environment.
The school’s commitment to personal development and welfare is evident, with teachers fostering positive relationships with pupils and promoting respect for diversity. Pupils feel secure and confident in expressing themselves, contributing to a welcoming school culture. The school has made significant progress in reducing instances of poor behavior, although attendance rates remain a focus for improvement.
Overall, The Gateway Primary Free School is a good school that has made substantial progress since its last inspection. The leadership team’s focus on high standards, effective teaching, and a supportive learning environment has led to improved outcomes for pupils. Continued efforts to enhance the curriculum, raise expectations, and ensure consistency in teaching practices will further solidify the school’s reputation as a place where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address the remaining challenges, ensuring that all pupils receive the quality education they deserve.
