Humberstone Junior School, located in Leicester, has recently undergone an inspection on October 31 and November 1, 2023, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The headteacher, Annemarie Williams, leads the school, which is part of the Odyssey Educational Trust, overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Kathryn Smith.
The school is characterized by its high expectations and aspirations for all pupils. Students appreciate the encouragement from staff to strive for their best and to have confidence in their abilities. The quality of teaching is exceptional, allowing pupils to excel across the curriculum. Beyond academic lessons, the school places a strong emphasis on personal development, providing numerous opportunities for pupils to broaden their horizons and develop into well-rounded individuals. The school fosters a safe and inclusive environment where pupils feel at home, making it easy for new students to integrate and find support for both academic and personal challenges.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behaviour, demonstrating politeness and respect towards others. In the classroom, they show a keen interest in learning and consistently produce high-quality work. During playtime, they engage happily with one another and take pride in their school community. The curriculum is meticulously planned, ensuring that essential knowledge and vocabulary are clearly outlined and taught in a logical progression. Staff emphasize this content in their teaching and verify that pupils have a solid understanding before advancing to new material. This careful approach to teaching is reflected in the pupils' work and their ability to recall and apply knowledge effectively.
All pupils at Humberstone Junior School achieve remarkable success, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, disadvantaged pupils, and those who speak English as an additional language. The school provides tailored support to ensure that every pupil can thrive. A significant focus on oracy within the curriculum enhances pupils' communication skills, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently. The staff's enthusiasm for reading is infectious, and they prioritize helping all pupils become proficient readers who enjoy literature. The school’s library is a popular destination, and corridors are decorated with displays celebrating literature.
The school also excels in developing pupils' talents and interests through a variety of extracurricular activities. The pupil leadership team actively engages with their peers, and initiatives like the well-being warriors provide support to fellow students. Projects that culminate in public presentations, such as leading tours of local historical sites, prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. They understand the importance of British values and the significance of creating a respectful society.
Leadership at Humberstone Junior School is highly effective, with the trust conducting regular assessments of pupil achievements across the curriculum. Leaders ensure that staff are well-equipped to teach all subjects effectively, fostering a supportive team environment that values staff well-being. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are robust, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Humberstone Junior School stands out as an exemplary institution, committed to providing an outstanding education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
