St Helen’s Primary Academy, located in Monk Bretton, Barnsley, has recently undergone an inspection that resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on January 23 and 24, 2024, and marked a significant improvement from the previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement. The principal, Victoria Gorton, leads the school, which is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust, overseen by CEO Rebecca Boomer-Clark and a board of trustees chaired by David Hall.
The school prides itself on being highly inclusive, with a strong emphasis on values that promote excellent attitudes, knowledge, and teaching. These values inspire both staff and pupils, fostering a positive learning environment. Pupils express pride in their school, which is described as friendly and happy. The leadership team has implemented a well-structured curriculum that enables pupils to gain a deep understanding of various subjects. For instance, pupils demonstrated impressive knowledge of historical events, such as the Viking raids and the significance of trade during that era.
Behaviour and attitudes at St Helen’s are commendable, with adults guiding pupils in managing their feelings and maintaining good conduct. A behaviour ladder has been established to clarify expectations, and staff consistently apply this framework. Consequently, pupils generally behave well, allowing them to focus on their learning with minimal distractions. The school also prioritizes attendance, providing support to ensure that pupils understand the importance of being present every day.
The curriculum is ambitious and effectively implemented across all year groups. In the early years, children learn about their own history and local area, which lays a solid foundation for understanding chronology. However, some pupils exhibit gaps in knowledge from previous years, particularly in subjects like mathematics. Addressing these gaps is essential for enabling pupils to grasp new concepts effectively.
Despite the positive changes in the quality of education, the outcomes for Year 6 pupils in 2023 did not reflect the improvements made, largely due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The school has made reading a priority, with staff receiving training to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Early years pupils benefit from phonics instruction, and additional support is provided for those who struggle. The school has curated a selection of high-quality books to enhance pupils' reading experiences and vocabulary development.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, with teachers adapting lessons to meet diverse needs. In the early years, staff focus on fostering positive relationships and encouraging the use of new vocabulary. However, some activities do not sufficiently deepen children's learning, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
The school’s personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum effectively teaches pupils about online safety and the importance of respecting diversity. A variety of extracurricular activities, such as badminton and yoga, are available to help pupils develop their interests and talents. Governance is strong, with trustees actively monitoring the school’s progress and supporting staff development.
The safeguarding arrangements at St Helen’s are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To further enhance the quality of education, the school must address the knowledge gaps identified in pupils and ensure that early years activities are more focused on deepening learning. Overall, St Helen’s Primary Academy is making significant strides in providing a quality education for its pupils.
