Hollybrook Junior School, located in Southampton, Hampshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 18 and 19, 2024. The executive headteacher, Marcella Dobson, leads the school, which is part of the Hamwic Educational Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Robert Farmer and a board of trustees chaired by Gary Plummer. The school prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community among its pupils, who feel happy, secure, and valued. The inclusive environment encourages students to work collaboratively and strive to meet high expectations set by their teachers.
Pupils at Hollybrook Junior School exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning, demonstrating good behavior and a willingness to engage with their peers. They are well-supported both emotionally and academically, which contributes to their success in achieving high standards, particularly in reading. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, with a structured approach to ensure that all pupils, including those who may struggle, receive the necessary support to excel. The initiative to encourage pupils to read a set list of 100 books by the end of Year 6 has been well received, fostering a love for reading among students.
The curriculum at Hollybrook Junior School is ambitious and designed to be accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has made significant strides in ensuring that disadvantaged pupils achieve in line with their peers. Subjects such as music are particularly well-developed, allowing pupils to cultivate essential skills like collaboration and perseverance. However, the school acknowledges that there are areas within the curriculum that require further refinement, particularly in defining the specific knowledge that pupils need to acquire in certain subjects.
Mathematics instruction focuses on building a solid foundation in basic skills, enabling pupils to develop a strong understanding of calculations. The school is actively working to enhance opportunities for pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge in reasoning and problem-solving contexts. This approach aims to deepen their understanding and improve overall achievement in mathematics.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior in lessons, with low levels of disruption reported. The school provides effective emotional support for those in need and educates pupils on online safety and the potential risks associated with social media. Students take pride in their roles as peer mediators and reading advocates, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership within the school community.
Staff members appreciate the training and support they receive, which allows them to focus on delivering quality education to their pupils. The school leadership effectively manages workload, ensuring that teachers can dedicate their efforts to supporting student learning.
The arrangements for safeguarding at Hollybrook Junior School are effective, ensuring that pupils feel safe and cared for. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is aware of the need to enhance the curriculum further by clearly identifying the sequence of knowledge required in all subjects. This will enable pupils to build on their existing knowledge more effectively and make the best possible progress.
Overall, Hollybrook Junior School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, promoting high standards of achievement and fostering a strong sense of community. The school is dedicated to ongoing improvement and ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
