Preston Hedges Primary School, located in Northampton, was inspected on June 26-27, 2014, and received an overall effectiveness rating of outstanding. This was the school's first inspection since converting to an academy in December 2012. The leadership team, including the headteacher and senior leaders, has established a strong educational environment, supported by an effective governing body and dedicated staff. High expectations set by the leadership have led to significant improvements in teaching quality, with most lessons being outstanding and none rated less than good.
Pupils at Preston Hedges Primary School demonstrate outstanding achievement, with excellent progress across all year groups. Standards in reading, writing, and mathematics have risen, particularly in Year 6, where they are exceptionally high. The school has implemented effective strategies to enhance reading skills in Key Stage 2, although some pupils still tend to choose less challenging texts and do not fully explore a variety of authors. More-able readers sometimes struggle to reflect deeply on the texts they read. Teachers provide thorough feedback on pupils' work, but there is inconsistency in ensuring that pupils act on this advice in subsequent assignments.
Pupil behavior is exemplary, with students showing a strong understanding of safety and maintaining well-above-average attendance. The school environment is positive, and pupils interact well with one another, demonstrating respect for their surroundings. The governing body has effectively managed the transition to an academy and continues to set challenging targets for the headteacher.
The inspection team observed 15 lessons and conducted additional visits, including assemblies and reading sessions with pupils. They engaged with various stakeholders, including governors, staff, and pupils, to gather a comprehensive view of the school's performance. The school has a diverse pupil population, primarily of White British origin, with a lower-than-average percentage of pupils speaking English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is also below average.
To further improve, the school aims to accelerate reading progress by encouraging pupils to select more challenging materials and helping more-able pupils engage with texts on a deeper level. Additionally, the school seeks to enhance the consistency of teachers' marking practices to ensure that all pupils benefit from the feedback provided.
The quality of teaching is consistently high, with a strong emphasis on literacy and mathematics. Teachers effectively build on prior learning and maintain high expectations for all pupils. The Early Years Foundation Stage is particularly well-led, providing a safe and stimulating environment for young learners. Resources, including technology, are utilized effectively to enhance learning experiences.
Pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is fostered through a wide range of learning opportunities, including educational visits and celebrations of diverse cultures. The school has retained links with the local authority and is actively involved in supporting other schools in need of improvement.
Governors play a crucial role in overseeing the school's performance, ensuring that the academy meets its financial and educational objectives. They are well-informed about performance data and actively participate in training to enhance their effectiveness. Overall, Preston Hedges Primary School is a thriving educational institution that provides an excellent foundation for its pupils' future learning and development.