St John's Church of England Primary School, located in Penge, London, has been recognized for its significant improvements since the last inspection. The school has achieved a Good rating across all key areas, including leadership and management, teaching quality, personal development, behavior, welfare, and pupil outcomes. The leadership team, including trustees and staff, has worked diligently to enhance the educational experience, ensuring that the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is effective. As a result, most pupils are making strong progress in core subjects such as English and mathematics, as well as in the wider curriculum.
The school has addressed previous weaknesses, particularly in mathematics, where progress at the end of key stage two was below the national average in 2018. Current pupils are now showing improved progress in this subject due to the leaders' focused actions. The trustees of the Aquinas Trust have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development, providing both support and challenge to the leadership team.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with pupils feeling safe and well cared for. They are educated on how to maintain their safety in various situations, contributing to a positive school environment. Attendance has improved and is now in line with national averages, reflecting the leaders' commitment to ensuring that pupils attend school regularly.
Pupils exhibit good behavior, showing respect towards peers and adults alike. The early years provision is also strong, with children making good progress from their starting points. The curriculum is broad and balanced, allowing pupils to develop knowledge and skills across a range of subjects. However, there are instances where the most able pupils are not sufficiently challenged, which can hinder their potential achievements.
While phonics teaching is strong, there are concerns regarding the progression of reading skills in key stage one, as pupils do not have enough opportunities to practice what they have learned. The role of middle leaders requires further development to enhance their impact on pupil progress, particularly in early years.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance the effectiveness of middle leaders by adopting a more strategic approach to their areas of responsibility. Additionally, raising teachers' expectations for the most able pupils and providing more opportunities for deeper learning will help ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. It is also essential to ensure that struggling readers are given books that align with their phonics knowledge to support their reading development.
Overall, St John's Church of England Primary School has made commendable progress since the last inspection, with effective leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The school provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, fostering both academic and personal development. With ongoing efforts to address identified areas for growth, the school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success and excellence in education.
