Penny Bridge CofE School, located in Greenodd, Ulverston, Cumbria, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on July 10 and 11, 2024, and the school received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good, while personal development was rated as outstanding. The school is part of The Good Shepherd Trust, with Graham Carrick serving as the headteacher and Claire Render as the CEO.
The school is characterized by a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing happiness and pride in attending. The school promotes high expectations for achievement, and pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are well-prepared for their next educational stages. Behavior in the school is commendable, with pupils attentive during lessons and following instructions diligently. The school fosters a polite and courteous atmosphere among students.
Pupils are encouraged to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy a variety of clubs, including biking, rugby, and cricket. They also participate in sporting competitions, representing the school with pride. The school emphasizes the importance of the arts, offering opportunities for pupils to join the choir and learn various musical instruments. Additionally, pupils are involved in community service, such as organizing litter picks and assisting at a local café.
The school prioritizes early reading, starting in the Reception class, where children are encouraged to engage with stories and relate them to their experiences. The phonics program is effectively delivered, enabling pupils to learn sounds quickly and read at home. Reading is valued across all age groups, with older pupils confidently discussing their favorite books and authors.
The curriculum is ambitious, with clear identification of essential knowledge in most subjects. Staff receive regular training and collaborate with colleagues from other schools, enhancing their subject knowledge and teaching effectiveness. The school swiftly identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND and adapts activities to support their learning alongside peers.
Assessment practices are well-developed in most subjects, allowing teachers to address misconceptions promptly. However, there are areas where the school does not fully utilize assessment information to understand pupils' learning over time, which could hinder curriculum refinement. In some subjects, the curriculum is new, and gaps in pupils' knowledge from previous curriculums have not been adequately addressed, occasionally leading to challenges in learning new concepts.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, providing extensive opportunities for pupils to engage in outdoor activities and leadership roles. Pupils develop skills through various responsibilities, fostering a sense of right and wrong and promoting respect among peers. The school actively encourages good attendance, taking effective measures to support those who need it.
Governors and trustees are well-informed about the school and provide appropriate support and challenge, being mindful of staff workload. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school needs to enhance its understanding of pupils' knowledge over time in certain subjects and identify gaps in learning to ensure that new knowledge builds on secure prior understanding. Overall, Penny Bridge CofE School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering personal development within a supportive community.
