Brookwood Primary School, located in Woking, Surrey, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on April 23 and 24, 2024. The school is led by headteacher Wendy Thomas and is part of the Bourne Education Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The inspection highlighted the school’s commitment to its HEART values: Happiness, Enthusiasm, Aspiration, Respect, and Togetherness, which contribute to a warm and inclusive environment. Staff members are well-acquainted with students and their families, fostering positive relationships that enhance the school community.
Pupils at Brookwood Primary School demonstrate excellent behavior and enjoy harmonious interactions with one another. They possess a clear understanding of right and wrong, and new students are welcomed and supported effectively, allowing them to integrate smoothly into the school’s routines. The school offers a range of learning opportunities that engage students and prepare them well for their future endeavors. The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that knowledge is built progressively from early years through to Year 6. Leaders have carefully sequenced the content to avoid unnecessary repetition, particularly in mixed-age classes.
Teachers exhibit sound subject knowledge, although there are instances where the activities designed for students do not align perfectly with the intended curriculum. This occasionally hampers the development of essential knowledge and skills. While assessment practices are effective in core subjects like mathematics and phonics, there is room for improvement in some foundation subjects where misconceptions may not be addressed promptly. The school is dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and receive the necessary encouragement to succeed.
Reading is prioritized at Brookwood Primary, with a new phonics program recently introduced. Staff have received training to enhance their teaching of early reading, and books are matched to the sounds being taught. This approach has helped many pupils become confident and fluent readers. The school also emphasizes the importance of managing behavior consistently, which minimizes disruptions to learning. However, attendance remains a challenge, particularly for some disadvantaged pupils, and the school is actively working to improve this aspect by engaging with families about the significance of regular attendance.
The school is committed to the personal development of its pupils, offering various opportunities for them to explore interests and take on responsibilities. Activities such as chess are popular, and all pupils learn to play, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience. In the early years, children are happy and form positive relationships with staff, who help them manage their emotions and develop communication skills. The curriculum for early years is well-defined, although further refinement is needed to ensure that all activities effectively support children’s learning over time.
Staff members express high levels of satisfaction with their experience at the school and share a common vision for its future. Governors and trustees possess a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Brookwood Primary School is a good school that strives to meet the diverse needs of its pupils while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
