Magna Carta Primary Academy, located in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, has received a positive inspection report following its evaluation in July 2019. The school has been rated as good overall, with outstanding ratings in leadership and management, personal development, behavior, welfare, and early years provision. The quality of teaching, learning, and assessment has been deemed good, while outcomes for pupils are also rated as good. This is the first inspection for the school since it opened in 2016.
The leadership team, including governors, has set high expectations for pupil achievement and has established a supportive environment that encourages both staff and students to strive for excellence. The early years provision is particularly strong, with children making exceptional progress and being well-prepared for Year 1. The school promotes a harmonious atmosphere where pupils exhibit excellent behavior, work diligently, and engage positively with peers and adults.
Teachers employ a variety of effective techniques to deliver the curriculum, fostering an environment where questioning, encouragement, and praise are prevalent. While teaching and assessment are generally strong, there is some variability in performance. The progress made by children in Reception is exceptional, although this progress tends to ease as they transition into key stage 1. Nevertheless, overall progress remains good, and the well-structured curriculum supports achievement across various subjects.
To further improve, the school aims to enhance pupil outcomes by increasing the number of students achieving expected standards in mathematics and greater depth in writing. Additionally, sharing best practices among staff will help ensure that all teaching and assessment are consistently high quality.
The governance of the school is robust, with the local governing body and the trust holding leaders accountable for maximizing pupil progress. They challenge the school to improve continuously, focusing on areas where outcomes can be enhanced. The trust provides necessary training and support to ensure that leaders and governors possess the expertise required to drive the school’s success.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with leaders maintaining accurate records and ensuring staff receive appropriate training. Pupils are educated on safety issues, and they report feeling safe and supported within the school environment. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils know they can seek help if needed.
The quality of teaching is generally strong, with teachers effectively using questioning to engage pupils and consolidate their learning. Mathematics and writing are taught through well-structured curricula, although there are areas where expectations could be raised further. The school has adopted a new phonics teaching approach, which has shown promising initial results.
Pupils’ personal development is a key focus, with the school promoting kindness, respect, and well-being. The behavior of pupils is outstanding, with clear policies in place that encourage positive conduct. Attendance levels are high, reflecting pupils' enjoyment of school and their desire to participate in learning.
Overall, Magna Carta Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education, with strong leadership, effective teaching, and a supportive environment that fosters pupil growth and development. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and success in the future.
