Boringdon Primary School, located in Plympton, Plymouth, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection took place on November 21 and 22, 2023, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good across all areas, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school is led by executive headteacher Sarah King and is part of the Westcountry Schools Trust, which provides additional support and oversight.
The school has a strong focus on fostering a positive learning environment. Pupils express pride in their learning and demonstrate a high level of engagement in their work. This positive attitude is evident from the early years, where children develop confidence and independence, preparing them well for key stage one. Throughout the school, students exhibit good listening skills, collaboration, and respect for one another. The implementation of a new behavior policy has been well received, with pupils feeling that it is applied consistently and fairly by adults. Strong relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive atmosphere, and effective attendance management ensures that students are present for important learning.
Boringdon Primary School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance pupils' interests and promote physical and mental well-being. Students take pride in their charitable work, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility as citizens. The school is ambitious for all its pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Recent leadership changes have led to rapid improvements, supported by the trust's robust challenge and support.
The curriculum at Boringdon Primary School is well-structured, with a clear sequence of knowledge that pupils are expected to learn. The school has identified key concepts across subjects, such as the impact of technology in history, which helps students make connections across their learning. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum is less developed, and in these areas, pupils do not learn as effectively. The school recognizes the need to ensure that all subjects are securely developed and embedded to enhance pupils' knowledge retention.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the school has prioritized mastery of fundamental knowledge in mathematics and English. Pupils are well-supported in their reading development, with a strong phonics program in place that enables them to blend sounds and read simple words from an early age. Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, which benefits all pupils, including those with additional needs.
Staff training and collaboration within the school and the trust have been effective in enhancing teaching practices. The school has established effective strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they learn alongside their peers. Safeguarding arrangements are robust, contributing to a safe learning environment.
While the school has made significant strides, it must continue to focus on developing all curriculum subjects to ensure that every pupil achieves their full potential. The commitment to continuous improvement is evident, and the school is well-positioned to build on its successes and address areas for further development. Overall, Boringdon Primary School provides a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils, fostering a love of learning and personal growth.
