Windhill21 is an outstanding primary school located in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. The school has received high praise for its leadership, teaching quality, and overall effectiveness. The headteacher and deputy headteacher have established a culture of high expectations and a shared vision of excellence among staff and governors. This collaborative approach has led to significant improvements in standards and outcomes for pupils. Staff members benefit from effective training and support, which enhances their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving the quality of teaching and learning.
The curriculum at Windhill21 is rich and stimulating, designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Through thorough planning and innovative teaching methods, pupils are actively engaged in their learning, resulting in outstanding progress. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, ensuring that pupils feel safe and secure. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, highlighting the positive impact it has on their children’s education and well-being.
Pupils at Windhill21 demonstrate exceptional personal development, taking responsibility for their learning and contributing positively to the school community. Their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is robust, as evidenced by their thoughtful discussions on global and moral issues. The early years provision is particularly noteworthy, providing children with a strong foundation for their future learning. Staff in the Nursery and Reception classes create exciting learning opportunities that foster rapid progress, even for those starting from low levels.
Governors play an essential role in supporting and challenging school leaders, although there is room for improvement in their understanding of pupils’ outcomes across all subjects. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, moving from a good rating to outstanding. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the school’s approach to leadership and management.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is outstanding across the school. Teachers plan engaging lessons that promote strong progress, using effective questioning techniques to deepen pupils’ understanding. The relationships between teachers and pupils are excellent, fostering a positive learning environment where pupils are motivated to succeed. Teachers have a deep understanding of their subjects and consistently apply high expectations across the curriculum.
Teaching assistants contribute significantly to pupils’ learning, providing targeted support that helps maintain positive attitudes and behavior. Assessment practices are well-implemented, allowing teachers to tailor their planning to meet the needs of all pupils. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their work and take ownership of their learning, which further enhances their progress.
Pupils’ behavior is exemplary, with a strong emphasis on positive reinforcement and high expectations from staff. They work collaboratively and demonstrate respect for one another and their teachers. Attendance rates are improving, thanks to the efforts of the family worker who actively engages with families to address absenteeism.
Overall, Windhill21 is a school where pupils thrive academically and personally. The combination of outstanding leadership, high-quality teaching, and a supportive learning environment ensures that all pupils make excellent progress. The school is well-prepared to continue its journey of improvement, with a clear focus on maintaining high standards and fostering a love of learning among its pupils.
