Primrose Hill Church of England Primary Academy, located in Lydney, Gloucestershire, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness as a good school following an inspection conducted on July 13 and 14, 2022. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with notable strengths in behavior, attitudes, and personal development, both rated as outstanding. The leadership and management, as well as early years provision, are also rated as good, reflecting a well-rounded educational environment.
Pupils at Primrose Hill exhibit exemplary behavior, characterized by politeness, kindness, and respect towards peers and adults. The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where every student is treated equally. Through initiatives like the ‘Life in all its fullness’ challenges, students gain essential skills and knowledge to thrive as global citizens. They are encouraged to take on responsibilities, such as participating in the Kaleidoscope group, which enhances their confidence in expressing opinions while valuing the importance of listening to others. The well-being of pupils is prioritized alongside their academic achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Parents appreciate the school’s strong community ethos, exemplified by initiatives like the Primrose Pantry, which supports families in need. Pupils feel safe and understand the difference between bullying and conflicts with friends. They express confidence in the staff's ability to address their concerns, highlighting the strong relationships between staff and students.
The school’s leadership, including governors and trustees, is ambitious and maintains high expectations for pupil learning. A broad and balanced curriculum has been developed, with curriculum leaders possessing in-depth subject knowledge. This ensures that teaching is logically sequenced to build on prior learning, particularly in core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The effective teaching of phonics is evident, with staff demonstrating secure knowledge and providing additional support for pupils who require it.
In the early years, staff create engaging learning environments that foster a love of reading. Activities are designed to immerse children in stories, enhancing their comprehension and enjoyment of literature. Teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding and address misconceptions promptly, particularly in mathematics, where additional practice sessions are implemented to reinforce learning.
However, the school acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in subjects where essential knowledge has only recently been identified. This lack of breakdown into smaller steps can hinder teachers' ability to plan effectively and assess pupils' understanding accurately. Additionally, while pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are identified and supported well, there is a need for further alignment of assessment practices across foundation subjects to ensure comprehensive tracking of pupil progress.
The school emphasizes the importance of broadening pupils’ experiences to mitigate barriers caused by disadvantage. This includes supporting parents to improve attendance and instilling values of democracy, justice, and respect through discussions and activities. The well-being of the entire school community is prioritized, with staff feeling valued and supported by leadership.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with appropriate checks in place for staff and volunteers. Leaders are proactive in addressing concerns related to pupil safety and welfare, collaborating with external agencies when necessary. Pupils are educated on how to keep themselves safe, including online safety.
Overall, Primrose Hill Church of England Primary Academy provides a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a strong focus on both academic and personal development, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
