Castle Hill Junior School, located in Ipswich, Suffolk, has recently undergone an inspection on the 5th and 6th of March 2024, resulting in an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, led by headteacher Jennifer Smith and part of the Asset Education Trust, has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The inspection highlighted several strengths within the school, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were rated as good.
Pupils at Castle Hill Junior School are reported to be happy and feel safe, with a strong sense of support from the adults in the school. The school promotes effective learning behaviors through its ‘learning knights’ initiative, which encourages qualities such as perseverance. Consistent routines and expectations contribute to a calm and purposeful classroom environment, maximizing learning time. The school’s values of pride, ambition, and respect are well understood by the pupils, who take pride in their work and enjoy outdoor learning opportunities.
The curriculum at Castle Hill Junior School is broad and well-planned, building on the knowledge gained at the infant school. The transition for Year 3 pupils into the junior school is seamless, and teachers motivate students to perform their best across all activities. The school has made notable progress in English, mathematics, and science, with targeted support helping pupils to catch up and improve their standards. However, some foundation subjects still exhibit gaps in knowledge and understanding due to insufficiently detailed subject-specific knowledge. Leaders have not consistently checked the implementation of the curriculum in these areas.
Reading is prioritized within the school, with a diverse range of books that reflect the school’s ethos and community. Pupils who struggle with reading receive effective support, enabling them to become fluent and confident readers. By the time they leave the school, pupils have engaged with a rich variety of texts, including classic and modern literature.
The school is inclusive of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are fully integrated into school life. Staff are adept at balancing support and independence, working closely with parents and external agencies to meet the needs of these pupils. The SEND unit within the school provides tailored curricula for pupils with specific learning difficulties, helping them progress in their education and independence.
Behavior in the school is commendable, with clear routines that help pupils understand expectations. They demonstrate resilience and reflect on their learning needs. The school also emphasizes mental health and well-being, rooted in community experiences and expanding pupils' horizons through various opportunities, including careers fairs.
Leadership at Castle Hill Junior School has effectively navigated a period of change, with leaders aware of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They ensure that teachers receive the necessary support to develop their skills. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment.
Despite the overall positive findings, the school is encouraged to enhance clarity in the curriculum for some foundation subjects and ensure consistent implementation across all classes. This will help address the gaps in knowledge and understanding that some pupils currently experience. The school is committed to continuous improvement, aiming to provide the best educational experience for all its pupils.
