Hillstone Primary School, located in Birmingham, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a lively and friendly environment where pupils feel happy and safe. They are encouraged to express their opinions and ideas confidently, contributing to a positive classroom atmosphere where learning is not disrupted by poor behavior. The school has effective measures in place to address bullying, ensuring that pupils trust the anti-bullying system.
The leadership team at Hillstone is committed to inspiring, caring, and educating its pupils, maintaining high expectations across all areas of school life. This commitment is reflected in the hard work and determination of the pupils, who strive to succeed in their learning. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including trips, sports events, and performances, which enhance the educational experience. From Year 2 onwards, pupils have the opportunity to participate in annual residential trips, and many engage in clubs such as yoga, football, and judo. These activities not only promote personal development but also instill confidence in pupils as they face new experiences.
The curriculum at Hillstone is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers effectively assess pupils' knowledge in subjects like reading and mathematics, although there is still work to be done in developing assessment methods in other subjects. This gap means that leaders do not have a comprehensive understanding of pupil achievement across the curriculum. Teachers employ various techniques to help pupils retain their learning, making lessons engaging and relevant. For instance, a geography field trip allowed pupils to measure the flow and depth of a river, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter.
Reading is prioritized at Hillstone, with a structured early reading curriculum that equips pupils with the skills they need to become enthusiastic readers. Staff receive training to deliver the phonics program effectively, and additional support is provided for those who struggle with reading. The school also emphasizes the importance of wider development, offering high-quality opportunities in the arts and sports. Collaborations with organizations such as Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham Rep provide pupils with experiences that inspire them to develop their talents.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges, particularly regarding attendance. Some pupils miss significant amounts of school, which impacts their learning. Leaders are working closely with families to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Additionally, there is a need for improvement in providing meaningful language development opportunities for early years pupils in outdoor settings. The board of trustees has undergone recent changes, and while they support school leaders, some lack the expertise to effectively challenge and hold them accountable.
Overall, Hillstone Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering personal development among its pupils. The school has established a positive learning environment, but there are areas for improvement, particularly in attendance and assessment practices. The leadership team is focused on addressing these challenges to ensure that all pupils can achieve their full potential.
