Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Great Witchingham Church of England Primary Academy on 15 January 2019, following its previous inspection in November 2013, which rated the school as good. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The leadership team has effectively upheld the school's standards, fostering a friendly environment where both staff and pupils feel valued. Pupils described the school as a big family, and parents echoed this sentiment, expressing their satisfaction and willingness to recommend the school to others. The leadership has been proactive in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, implementing changes that positively impact the school’s progress.
Since becoming an academy in 2016 and forming the Trinity Federation in 2017, the school has undergone several changes. The leadership team has accurately pinpointed areas needing enhancement, particularly in writing and mathematics, and has taken swift action to address these. The school’s improvement plan focuses on increasing the number of pupils achieving higher standards in these subjects, and early indications show progress towards national averages.
Pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing, and mathematics have generally been above national averages, although the 2018 results were unusually low due to the small cohort sizes. The inspection noted that the results should be interpreted cautiously, as they do not reflect the overall strong progress made by most pupils. The early years provision is effective, with children starting school with typical knowledge and skills. By the end of Reception, the proportion achieving a good level of development is above the national average, although there is still work to be done to ensure that the most able children exceed early learning goals in reading and writing.
Pupils exhibit good behavior and enjoy learning, participating in a curriculum that integrates subjects under specific themes. Engaging activities, such as school trips and hands-on projects, enhance their learning experience. The school promotes respect for different cultures and faiths, instilling fundamental British values in pupils. The area group executive principal provides valuable support and challenge to the leadership team, ensuring access to improvement resources.
Governors play an active role in monitoring the school’s performance, using assessment data to hold leaders accountable. They receive regular training to enhance their effectiveness. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety evident throughout the school. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding protocols, and effective collaboration with external agencies ensures timely support for pupils and families.
The inspection identified several lines of inquiry, focusing on writing and mathematics outcomes, behavior, and attendance. Leaders have implemented effective systems to maintain high standards of behavior, and attendance has improved, aligning with national averages. The school is encouraged to continue challenging the most able pupils in writing and mathematics to ensure they achieve their full potential. Overall, Great Witchingham Church of England Primary Academy is well-positioned for continued improvement and success.
