The Langley Academy Primary, located in Slough, Berkshire, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on June 25 and 26, 2024. The school has maintained its overall judgment of outstanding since its last graded inspection in July 2018. However, the evidence gathered during this inspection suggests that if a graded inspection were conducted now, the outcome might not be as favorable. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one. The headteacher, Tracey Bowen, leads the school, which is part of the Arbib Education Trust, overseen by executive principal Rhodri Bryant and a board of trustees chaired by Oona Stannard.
The school environment is characterized by happy children eager to learn, fostering a culture of high ambition and aspiration among both pupils and staff. The values of independence, brilliance, and courage are embraced by the students, who take pride in earning recognition for their efforts. Behavior in classrooms and during break times is excellent, with minimal disruptions to learning. The playgrounds are vibrant spaces where kindness and respect are evident among pupils.
From an early age, children in the nursery learn to recognize and manage their emotions, equipping them with strategies to communicate their feelings and concerns to trusted adults. The school effectively nurtures pupils' talents and interests, offering a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and leadership roles such as serving on the eco-council and pupil parliament. Year 6 pupils particularly enjoyed a recent residential trip where they engaged in activities like abseiling and kayaking.
Since the last inspection, the school has doubled in size and now accommodates children throughout key stage 2. The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, providing a broad and ambitious educational experience. Each subject has a clear progression of knowledge, aligning with the trust's secondary school, which aids in preparing pupils for their next educational steps.
The school has demonstrated high ambitions across various aspects of school life, particularly in religious education, where pupils exhibit a strong understanding of major religions and worldviews. Attendance rates are high, reflecting the school's commitment to ensuring that pupils do not miss out on educational opportunities. The innovative 'museum learning' approach encourages curiosity and engagement, allowing pupils to learn from experts and hands-on experiences.
Subject leaders play a crucial role in sharing their expertise, resulting in teachers possessing secure subject knowledge. Lessons are well-structured, with clear explanations and effective modeling of vocabulary. The school also supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
While published outcomes are generally in line with national averages, there is room for improvement in some subjects within the wider curriculum. Teachers sometimes struggle to identify the most critical knowledge for pupils to retain over time, which can affect the depth of understanding. The school is encouraged to clarify these priorities to enhance learning outcomes.
Reading is a fundamental focus, with a strong commitment from staff to ensure all pupils develop reading skills and a love for literature. Early years pupils learn to retell stories, while older students engage in discussions about their favorite genres. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils who may fall behind in their reading.
The school also emphasizes the importance of pupils' wider development, teaching them about diversity and encouraging them to challenge stereotypes. Pupils are well-mannered and prepared for life in modern Britain, learning to navigate relationships, mental health, and online safety. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. Overall, the Langley Academy Primary is a thriving educational institution with a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
