The Bromley-Pensnett Primary School, located in Dudley, West Midlands, has recently undergone an inspection on the 13th and 14th of December 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school has been rated as good, reflecting a positive environment for learning and development. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, as well as early years provision, all received a good rating, indicating a consistent standard across various aspects of the school.
Under the leadership of headteacher Justin Gray, the school is part of the DRB Ignite multi-academy trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The trust is led by CEO Robert Bowater and a board of trustees chaired by David Sheldon. The school prides itself on being inclusive, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds or special educational needs and disabilities, feel welcomed and valued. Pupils are taught the importance of respect, liberty, and democracy, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Students report feeling safe and cared for by the staff, who provide a range of extracurricular opportunities, including clubs, educational visits, and school events. However, attendance remains a challenge, as some pupils miss out on these enriching experiences due to irregular attendance. The school has implemented a charter promoting readiness, respect, safety, and kindness, which most pupils adhere to. While the majority of students behave well, a small number occasionally struggle to meet the school's high expectations. Staff effectively manage any behavioral issues, ensuring minimal disruption to learning.
Since the last inspection, the school has seen significant changes, including new staff appointments and revised teaching approaches for early reading and mathematics. The curriculum has been refreshed, and efforts to improve behavior and attendance have shown positive results. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with a focus on key knowledge and skills across subjects. However, some areas require further development, as staff may lack confidence in teaching certain subjects, impacting pupil achievement.
Reading has been identified as a top priority, with children introduced to rhymes and stories early on to foster a love for reading. Daily reading practices are in place, and most pupils read fluently. However, those struggling with reading do not receive sufficient practice time to catch up with their peers. The school has established effective support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they receive tailored assistance and access to the same curriculum as their classmates.
While most pupils behave well, the school continues to work on improving attendance, as persistent absenteeism affects learning progress. The school offers additional opportunities for personal development, encouraging pupils to take on roles such as librarians and school councillors. The trust provides robust oversight, balancing support and challenge, and actively seeks feedback from parents and carers to enhance school life.
Staff express pride in working at the school, appreciating the manageable workload and support from senior leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, focusing on enhancing the educational experiences and outcomes for all students. Overall, the Bromley-Pensnett Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive school community.
