Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School, located in Warwickshire, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on May 21 and 22, 2024. The outcome of this inspection confirmed that the school maintains its overall judgement of outstanding. However, the evidence gathered during the inspection indicated that the school might not achieve the same high grade if a graded inspection were conducted at this time. The next inspection is expected to be a graded one. The headteacher, Gillian Humphriss, leads the school, which is part of the Community Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Philip Hamilton and a board of trustees chaired by Simon Atkins.
The school is characterized by a kind and caring culture, where both pupils and staff take pride in fostering a supportive environment. Pupils feel safe and valued, thanks to initiatives like the ‘network of five,’ which ensures that there is always someone available to talk to if they have concerns. From the early years, the school sets high expectations for its pupils, who respond positively by working diligently and taking pride in their achievements. During social times, pupils engage well with one another and utilize the diverse play equipment available.
Pupils actively contribute to the school community, with opportunities to voice their opinions through the school council. Year 6 students take on various leadership roles, including house captains and digital monitors, and they form meaningful relationships with younger pupils by acting as buddies. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including trips, clubs, and performances, which significantly contribute to the personal development of pupils, preparing them well for the next stage of their education.
The curriculum at Stratford-Upon-Avon Primary School is broad and ambitious, designed to ensure that learning builds progressively from Reception through Year 6. It is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils perform well in national tests at the end of key stages. The Reception class lays a strong foundation for future learning, with clear routines and a focus on language development. However, there are some inconsistencies in curriculum implementation across subjects and year groups, which the school is actively working to address.
The school prioritizes reading, having recently adopted a new phonics program. While there is effective support for pupils who need assistance with reading, some inconsistency in delivery remains. Nevertheless, pupils express a positive attitude towards reading, enjoying the rewards associated with it. Pupils with special educational needs receive excellent support, with their needs carefully identified and addressed through personalized plans.
Behaviour and attendance at the school are exemplary, with a strong emphasis on the importance of good conduct. The school employs restorative conversations to help pupils learn from their mistakes, resulting in minimal use of serious consequences. Attendance is notably high, bolstered by initiatives that encourage pupils to strive for attendance rewards.
The school excels in supporting pupils' personal development through initiatives like the Stratford Experiences Pathway, which exposes them to the wider world and builds resilience. Cultural development is integrated into the curriculum, with pupils visiting various places of worship to enhance their understanding of diversity. Parents and carers hold the school in high regard, reflecting a strong community connection.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to address the variations in curriculum implementation to ensure a consistently high standard of education across all subjects and year groups. This commitment to improvement underscores the school's dedication to providing an excellent educational experience for its pupils.
