Narborough Church of England Primary Academy, located in Norfolk, has been recognized for its effective leadership and management, achieving a good rating in its recent inspection. The headteacher and deputy headteacher have successfully guided the school through significant improvements since its establishment as an academy. Their understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development is commendable, leading to impactful initiatives that have enhanced the quality of reading and writing among pupils. The governing body, along with the multi-academy trust, provides a robust level of support and challenge, contributing to the rising standards within the school.
The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment is also rated as good. Teachers maintain high expectations for their students, fostering a sense of pride and effort in their work. Recent outcomes at the end of key stage two have shown a marked improvement, with most pupils making good progress and achieving results closer to national expectations. The positive relationships between teachers and pupils create a supportive learning environment, and the early years provision effectively engages children, establishing routines that promote happiness and engagement.
Pupil attendance aligns with national averages, and there has been a decline in persistent absence. The school has introduced new teaching methods in mathematics, although these are still being refined for maximum effectiveness. The curriculum emphasizes vocabulary development, with leaders recognizing the need for pupils to retain key topic words over time. While pupils generally behave well, there are instances where motivation to challenge themselves in learning could be improved.
To further enhance the quality of education, the school aims to implement and embed changes in mathematics teaching, ensuring all pupils are appropriately challenged. Additionally, there is a focus on developing high-quality vocabulary instruction to aid pupils in recalling and understanding learned vocabulary. Encouraging curiosity and self-motivation among pupils is also a priority for improving their behavior for learning.
The leadership team has demonstrated a strong capacity for improvement, with clear plans for future advancements. The school has stabilized staffing and provides effective support for new teachers, contributing to a positive working environment. Middle leaders are increasingly involved in staff development, and the school benefits from collaboration within its federation.
Governance is effective, with governors actively participating in the school's strategic management and holding leaders accountable for educational quality. The school has a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff trained to ensure child protection policies are consistently implemented. Pupils feel safe and are aware of whom to approach with concerns.
Overall, Narborough Church of England Primary Academy is a good school that has made significant strides in its development. The commitment to continuous improvement, alongside a supportive community and effective leadership, positions the school well for future success. The focus on enhancing teaching methods, fostering pupil engagement, and maintaining high standards of behavior and welfare will contribute to the ongoing positive trajectory of the school.
