Longney Church of England Primary Academy has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 1, 2024. The executive headteacher, Heather Francis, leads the school, which is part of The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Rachel Howie and a board of trustees chaired by Tim Brock. The school is known for its welcoming and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community among its pupils. Students report feeling happy and safe, enjoying a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and a popular chess club. The school promotes its core values of respect, courage, friendship, and perseverance, which are well understood by the pupils.
The curriculum at Longney is broad and well-structured, allowing pupils to achieve well across most subjects. Early years foundation stage students quickly learn to read and adapt to the school’s routines. Pupils express confidence in discussing their learning, and there is a strong emphasis on vocabulary development throughout the curriculum. For instance, children in Reception learn geographical vocabulary through imaginative play. The school has made significant efforts to ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported in their learning and participate in school activities.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges, particularly in writing. A notable number of pupils exhibit gaps in their writing knowledge, struggling with letter formation, sentence construction, and extended writing tasks. This gap affects their overall learning across subjects. The school has implemented plans to address these issues, but the effectiveness of these measures is still being evaluated. Additionally, recent changes in staff and curriculum have led to some inconsistencies in the delivery of new content, which has resulted in some pupils not fully grasping the material.
The trust has provided support to enhance the early years curriculum, and staff interactions with children have been positive, fostering good communication skills. The school emphasizes the importance of reading, with a phonics program that helps pupils learn letters and sounds effectively. When pupils fall behind, trained staff provide timely support to help them catch up. All pupils are encouraged to read widely, and older students often read for pleasure.
Behaviour expectations are high, and recent changes to the behaviour policy have positively impacted the school environment. Pupils who struggle with behaviour are supported to make better choices, and instances of poor behaviour disrupting lessons are rare. The school also prioritizes attendance and works closely with families to improve it when necessary. Pastoral care is a strong point, contributing to the overall well-being of the students.
The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities, teaching pupils about safety and health. They learn about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, as well as world religions and cultures. Leadership opportunities are available for older pupils, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the school community.
In summary, Longney Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on community values and a well-planned curriculum. However, addressing the gaps in writing knowledge and ensuring consistent implementation of the curriculum remain areas for improvement. The school is committed to enhancing its educational offerings and supporting all pupils in their learning journey.
