Gamlingay Village Primary is recognized as a good school, continuing to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. Under the leadership of headteacher Dawn Henry, the school is part of The Cam Academy Trust, which oversees its operations alongside a board of trustees. The trust is led by CEO Claire Heald and chair Sue Williamson, with executive headteacher Shelley Desborough responsible for this school and two others.
Pupils at Gamlingay Village Primary benefit from a nurturing atmosphere where trusted adults prioritize their happiness and safety. Staff members are attentive to students' needs, helping them navigate friendship issues and other concerns. The school is particularly effective in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can express their feelings and participate fully in school life. The commitment to inclusivity is evident, with tailored support provided to those who require it.
The curriculum is designed to engage all students, encouraging them to take pride in their work across various subjects. Recent improvements have led to enhanced reading skills among pupils, contributing to their overall academic success. However, some students still face challenges in mathematics, indicating a need for further focus in this area. The school recognizes the importance of participation and strives to create a calm and focused learning environment, fostering positive interactions among students.
Extracurricular opportunities abound, allowing pupils to explore their interests and develop socially and culturally. Activities such as choir performances in London and residential trips enrich the educational experience. The school has made significant strides in developing a high-quality curriculum that prepares students for secondary education, covering a comprehensive range of subjects.
Staff training in new teaching approaches for reading and mathematics has positively impacted pupil achievement, although there remains a disparity in progress between reading and mathematics. While most pupils read fluently and develop strong comprehension skills, the school acknowledges the need for more precise assessment in mathematics to identify and address knowledge gaps effectively.
In early years education, the school has created an engaging environment that captivates children's interest. Staff are skilled in planning activities that support learning, particularly in developing mathematical understanding. However, there is room for improvement in how support staff engage with children to enhance their communication and language skills.
Behaviour expectations are well understood and followed by pupils, with older students taking on leadership roles to support younger peers. This fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility within the school. Personal development is actively promoted, with opportunities for pupil leadership and community engagement.
The trust provides effective oversight and support, ensuring the school addresses areas for improvement while managing staff workload and well-being. Safeguarding measures are robust, creating a safe environment for all students.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school must ensure that all teachers utilize assessment strategies to identify gaps in pupils' mathematical knowledge and provide targeted support. Additionally, further training for support staff in communication and language development is necessary to maximize learning opportunities for all children. Overall, Gamlingay Village Primary demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education while continuously seeking to improve its practices.
