Hill Top Primary Academy, located in West Ardsley, Wakefield, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality education. The school, led by Principal Joanne Lancaster and part of the Leodis Academies Trust, has been rated as good overall, with outstanding marks in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development. The inspection took place on July 9 and 10, 2024, and the school has maintained its good rating since the previous inspection in May 2019.
Pupils at Hill Top Primary Academy express a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school. They enjoy positive relationships with staff and feel comfortable seeking help when needed. The school fosters a caring and inclusive environment, which contributes to the overall well-being of its students. High expectations are set for all pupils, and they respond enthusiastically, achieving commendable results by the end of key stage two. The school’s ambitious behavior standards are met with enthusiasm, and pupils demonstrate exceptional behavior in a calm learning environment.
The school’s values, such as care and confidence, are well modeled by the pupils, who show empathy and kindness towards their peers. This positive culture is further enhanced by a reward system where pupils earn Hill Top pounds for demonstrating these values, which they can spend at the school’s market. This system teaches important lessons about delayed gratification and the value of rewards.
In terms of academic performance, pupils display a passion for reading, with many expressing how reading enriches their lives. The school employs highly trained staff to support pupils in developing their reading skills, and those who struggle receive timely assistance. However, there is a need for a more precise method to track the progress of these pupils, as some reading materials do not align with the phonics they have been taught, potentially hindering their advancement.
The curriculum at Hill Top Primary Academy is designed to build and apply knowledge over time, with regular opportunities for pupils to engage in complex problem-solving, particularly in mathematics. The early years curriculum is well-structured, allowing children to quickly grasp foundational concepts. The school also provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they achieve the same ambitious goals as their peers.
The school has made significant strides in redeveloping its curriculum over the past two years, clearly outlining the knowledge and skills pupils need to acquire. This structured approach is evident in subjects like music, where pupils engage with advanced vocabulary and concepts. The support for pupils with SEND is particularly noteworthy, with strong partnerships between the school, families, and the pupils themselves, ensuring that everyone is aligned in achieving educational goals.
The early years environment is nurturing, with staff taking the time to understand the children and their families before they start school. This approach helps children settle in quickly and fosters a love for learning. The school emphasizes personal development, offering a range of opportunities that contribute to the holistic growth of each child.
While the school excels in many areas, it is recommended to enhance the tracking of early reading progress to ensure that all pupils receive appropriately matched reading materials. This improvement will help maximize their learning potential and further solidify the school’s reputation for excellence in education. Overall, Hill Top Primary Academy is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of its pupils.
